India’s civil aviation ministry has decided to raise the aviation security fees (ASF) for the travellers. This will come into effect from September 1, 2020. The ASF is collected from passengers by the airline during flight bookings and it is then given to the government. The fee is used to fund the security arrangement at airports across the country.

Following the hike, the ASF for domestic passengers will be increased to ₹160 from ₹150, and international passengers will pay US$ 5.2/₹389 instead of US$ 4.85/₹363 as the ASF.

The last hike was in 2019 when the fees were increased from ₹130 to ₹150 for domestic travellers and US$ 4.85/ ₹363 instead of US$ 3.25/₹243 for international travellers.

Alike other countries, India’s aviation industry too has been severely impacted by the Covid-19 crisis. Layoffs, pay cuts and leave-without-pay are measures being adopted by the airlines to cut costs.

While the average occupancy rate on domestic flights has been around 50-60 per cent since May 25, the international commercial services to and from India are yet to resume. Meanwhile, Vande Bharat Mission and air bubble agreements with other countries are being set up to facilitate international travel.