Air travel to become costlier from April 1, as DGCA raises Air Security Fee
From the coming financial year, both domestic and international air travel to become costlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and aviation regulator, has decided to increase the Air Security Fee (ASF) from April 1.
From the coming financial year, both domestic and international air travel to become costlier, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and aviation regulator, has decided to increase the Air Security Fee (ASF) from April 1.
According to the official order of DGCA, "Aviation Security Fee for domestic passengers will be levied at the rate of Rs 200 per embarking passenger. Aviation Security Fee for international passengers will be levied at the rate of US$ 12 or equivalent Indian Rupees embarking passenger. The new rates will be effective on tickets issued on or after April 1, 2021.”
The rise decided by the aviation regulator is Rs 40 for domestic travel and Rs 114.38 for international.
Air Security Fee is mandated to help finance the increased cost of securing the nation's aviation transportation system. The revenue generated from these security fees is utilized to help ensure the safe and efficient flow of people and commerce.
Air travel and airport security is taken care of, by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) which falls under the ambit of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The last hike in ASF was seen around six months ago in September 2020, it was raised for domestic flyers by Rs 10 to Rs 160 and increased from $4.85 to $5.20 for international flyers.
The order also reads, “Children under the age of two years, diplomatic passport holders, airline crew on duty, people travelling on official duty on aircraft operated by Indian Air Force, people on UN peacekeeping mission duty, passengers in transit, transfer, deporting an airport due to involuntary rerouting are exempted from paying ASF.”
Across the globe, the aviation industry has been severely impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International flying has been practically shut as borders closed to curb the spread of coronavirus.
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01:21 PM IST