Kochi: The central government has stated before the Kerala HC that it exercises no absolute control over the airfares ever since the Air Corporation Act was scrapped. In an explanation filed by the government in the court, it also mentioned that interfering in airfares would deny the government the benefits of market competitiveness. 

The response of the central government came after an expatriate entrepreneur submitted a petition in the court, requesting the concerned officials to regulate airfares from the Gulf region.

In this case, the central government is of the opinion that airfares have increased across the globe in general terms post the pandemic. The ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has worsened the situation.

However, in reply to the petition, the central government highlighted that the aviation ministry does interfere during emergency situations. It should be noted that the number of available seats and the demand are the prime factors regulating airfares.

Air tickets will cost a bomb if the booking is done just hours before the flight. However, booking beforehand, at least 90 days prior to the journey, will help passengers save a lot of money. Airfares are fixed by taking into consideration the operation cost and nature of service, thereby ensuring reasonable profits to the airlines.