CHENNAI: Domestic airfares from Chennai to other parts of the State and country went up substantially on Wednesday, following a spike in global crude oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
According to airport sources, aviation turbine fuel prices have more than doubled in the recent days after the geopolitical tensions triggered by the attack on Iran by the United States and Israel because of shortage of supply from the Gulf region.
Following this, the central government relaxed the restrictions that were enforced earlier on airfare pricing, allowing airlines to revise fares.
As a result, ticket prices on several domestic routes from Chennai have increased compared to January. While the fare hikes are evidently high on routes within Tamil Nadu, increases on services to other metro cities are comparatively moderate.
The minimum fare for Chennai-Thoothukudi has gone up to Rs 6,503 from Rs 3,608, while Chennai-Madurai fares have risen to Rs 5,467 from Rs 3,129. Similarly, Chennai-Tiruchy fares have increased to Rs 4,521 from Rs 3,608, and Chennai-Coimbatore fares to Rs 4,966 from Rs 4,351.
On major inter-State routes, Chennai-Delhi fares have increased to Rs 6,496 from Rs 5,933, Chennai-Mumbai to Rs 4,020 from Rs 3,356, and Chennai-Kolkata to Rs 6,047 from Rs 5,293.
With the revised fares coming into effect immediately, some passengers who had already booked tickets at earlier rates are being asked to pay additional charges online before obtaining boarding passes.
The sudden hike has caused inconvenience, especially for middle-class families planning summer travel.
Thoothukudi - Rs 3,608 - Rs 6,503
Madurai - Rs 3,129 - Rs 5,467
Tiruchy - Rs 3,608 - Rs 4,521,
Coimbatore - Rs 4,351 - Rs 4,966