Aviation Sector Could Raise Fares Due to GST Implementation Expenses
Initial announcements from the GST Council suggested a reduction in economy airfares. However, the aviation sector is now contemplating increasing ticket prices. This adjustment aims to offset higher operational costs, including additional taxes on imported spares and aircraft lease rentals under the new GST framework, impacting the industry's already slim profit margins.
Potential Impact of GST on Air Travel Fares
In an update from June 13, 2017, the GST Council initially indicated that economy class air travel prices would decrease. However, recent developments within the aviation industry suggest that this might not be the case. Airlines are reportedly considering raising ticket prices to compensate for the increased operational expenses incurred during the transition to the new Goods and Services Tax system.
The GST regime mandates that airlines pay extra taxes on imported spare parts and on aircraft lease rentals. Given the already narrow profit margins characteristic of the aviation sector, these additional tax burdens could necessitate an upward adjustment in ticket prices.
This potential fare hike was highlighted in a report by The Economic Times.