Mumbai, December 30
Air India today announced a sharp cut in fares on a number of sectors as the government leaned on public sector enterprises to slash prices and drive up demand.
As per the fare reductions, which come into effect from today, passengers flying some sectors will be able to enjoy up to a whopping 82 per cent discount in basic fares, according to the airline.
For instance, between Bangalore and Chennai, the basic fare would fall to Rs 200 from Rs 1,100, a cut of 82 per cent. Basic fares on the Mumbai-Delhi sector would be Rs 1,675 from Rs 3,300, a cut of 49 per cent. The fare between Mumbai and Bangalore would be Rs 1,200, down 52 per cent from Rs 2,475 earlier.
Passengers will, however, be required to pay taxes and fuel surcharges, which have been pegged at Rs 1,950 for distances less than 750 km and Rs 2,700 for sectors above 750 km.
Private carrier Jet Airways had reduced its fares to Rs 2,000 on the Mumbai-Delhi route, Rs 4,065 on the Mumbai-Kolkata route, Rs 1,220 on the Bangalore-Mumbai route and Rs 500 on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route. The airline charges an additional Rs 3,500 by way of taxes and fuel surcharge.
Kingfisher Airlines will also cut fares from January 1, the company said.
