New Delhi: Newly appointed Civil Aviation Minister, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, addressed the ongoing issue of rising flight ticket prices on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, he shared his personal experiences as a passenger and emphasized the government's commitment to tackling this problem.
Naidu, who assumed office on June 13, highlighted that his primary goal is to make air travel more accessible and comfortable for the average citizen. "Since the Covid era, airfare prices have fluctuated significantly. As a frequent flyer myself, I have noticed these increases. We intend to review this situation," Naidu stated in an interview.
The surge in airfares has become a significant concern for travelers across India, with ticket prices soaring in recent months, affecting both domestic and international flights. The aviation sector has also faced challenges due to global supply chain disruptions, delaying aircraft deliveries and driving fares higher. Domestic air traffic grew by 23 percent in 2023, reaching a record 153 million passengers, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 300 million by 2030.
With air travel becoming more widely available, Naidu emphasized the importance of ensuring passenger comfort, convenience, and safety. "Our agenda is clear: we will make air travel more easily accessible. Passengers will be at the core of our work," he stated.
To achieve these objectives, Naidu plans to implement a 100-day action plan, which will eventually evolve into a long-term vision for the sector, in line with the "Vikashit Bharat" plan, marking 100 years of India's independence. "We are developing a 100-day plan to address immediate challenges, and from there, we will transition to a long-term vision—the ‘Vikashit Bharat’ plan for the next 100 years of independence," he explained.
Key initiatives under this plan include expanding the Udaan Scheme to connect more tier 2 and 3 cities, promoting the nationwide adoption of the Digi Yatra facility, and converting all airports into environmentally friendly facilities. "We want to make airfare affordable and transform airways into the new Railways of India. The common man is concerned about high ticket prices, and we aim to bring more people into air travel," Naidu concluded.
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