Airlines hike fuel surcharge, fares move up

New Delhi, Aug 7 (UNI) Domestic air fares on all sectors became costlier today by about Rs 150 with the hike in fuel surcharge imposed by major airlines due to increase in jet fuel prices.

The surcharge was hiked from Rs 500 to 650 by almost all major airlines, including full-service carrier Jet Airways besides low-cost Air Deccan and SpiceJet.

Airlines took the decision due to rising price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The revised fuel surcharge will be applicable on all classes and tickets purchased within and outside India.

In early July, carriers raised fuel surcharge by Rs 200 a ticket, citing a 36 per cent increase in fuel prices in the last year. Fuel charges make up almost 40 per cent of an airline's operating cost.

UNI SU CS RAI1951