Indian aviation is pure loot

Washington-Boston fare starts at US$234 that is Rs.20,000. London Berlin starts at UK Pound 161 i.e. Rs. 16500. Just checked it. What you are quoting is Delhi/Mumbai-Washington-Boston incremental fare for Washington-Boston section. Not the same thing. more  

very true and during festivals it goes sky high the fares.One aspect is the taxes must be very high in India similar to all other items which are high.One can even see how the vande bharat prices are which are also very high and hence in some routes there is hardly any people going into it.Govt should think the best pricing so that maximum people can use it and keep it at a reasonable level.Aviation ministry need to look into the above aspect and rationalise the pricing by talking to the airlines which is not happening here and they have left to the airlines thinking they will not cheat the customers and these airlines are only looking to fleece the customers without giving any service to them more  

Very True. I agree with Mr Dutta's view. more  

While it is true that airfares in India, particularly for low-cost carriers (LCCs), may seem high in comparison to some international routes, it's essential to look at the broader context before labeling Indian aviation as a "pure loot." Market Structure and Operational Costs: The aviation industry in India is highly regulated and subject to various taxes, levies, and operational costs that contribute to higher airfares. In India, airfares are impacted by a combination of factors, including airport charges, fuel prices, aircraft leasing costs, and the high operational overhead that airlines face in a developing market. Additionally, Indian aviation is still in a growth phase, and airlines must balance growth, market penetration, and sustainability. They often don’t have the economies of scale or subsidies that some international carriers enjoy, which can make their operations more expensive. Price Comparison Isn't Always Fair: Comparing India's domestic fares to international flights such as Jeju-Seoul or Kuala Lumpur-Singapore can be misleading. India's domestic market faces different realities, like longer distances, higher fuel prices, and less competition on certain routes, all of which drive up costs. For example, routes like Delhi-Mumbai or Bengaluru-Chennai are often among the most heavily booked routes, resulting in prices that reflect demand rather than actual cost per mile. International routes, such as Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, often benefit from short distances, subsidized airports, and more competitive markets, which make fares cheaper. High Fuel Costs and Taxes: Fuel costs constitute a significant portion of airline expenses worldwide, and India, like many other countries, has to deal with high aviation fuel prices due to taxes and import duties. This impacts the cost of flying in India. Indian carriers face higher taxes and duties compared to many international airports, especially in Southeast Asia or the Middle East, where lower taxes on aviation fuel or even government subsidies allow airlines to offer cheaper fares. Differentiating Between Low-Cost and Full-Service Carriers: Indian Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) do offer cheaper options, but they come with limited services compared to full-service carriers. LCCs have to make money through ancillary services such as baggage fees, meal charges, and seat selection. This model is different from full-service airlines, which bundle many services into the price. In comparison, international carriers on routes like London-Berlin or Washington-Boston may offer cheaper fares, but these airlines might not be offering the same level of service or amenities that Indian airlines provide, such as meals, better legroom, and more comfortable flights on domestic routes. Challenges of Maintaining Safety and Standards: India's aviation industry is also highly regulated for safety standards. This includes adherence to international safety protocols set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Such compliance comes at a cost. The increased cost of regulatory compliance and the need to maintain high safety standards often contribute to higher operating costs for Indian airlines, especially when compared to countries with different regulatory environments. Changing Industry Dynamics: Post-pandemic recovery is still a major challenge for the aviation sector worldwide, including India. Airlines have to adjust to fluctuating passenger demand, changes in the cost of operations, and variable fuel prices, all of which affect airfares. The recovery process is still ongoing in India, and as demand returns, more affordable airfares could potentially become available. The Role of Government and Infrastructure Development: The Indian government has been working to develop and improve infrastructure to support the aviation industry, including the UDAN scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) to make air travel affordable for the common man. As India’s airports and air traffic management systems develop, it is expected that airfares will become more competitive, and operational costs will decrease. Conclusion: While airfares on Indian carriers might seem expensive at a glance, it's important to consider the unique challenges faced by the aviation industry in India, including operational costs, market conditions, taxation, and infrastructure development. Instead of labeling the sector as "loot," we should understand that prices are shaped by various macroeconomic and operational factors. Indian aviation has grown rapidly in recent years, and with more competition, improved infrastructure, and evolving market dynamics, we can expect prices to become more competitive and accessible for all passengers. more  

Already foreign airports say those in US, UK, Germany, Singapore etc., look like railway stations with Qs and people all over, over crowded! Our railway stations are becoming like air ports and airports will become like railway stations! Market demand and supply to adjust price should be used. more