New Delhi: Three major carriers today (Oct 8, 2004) announced an across-the-board hike of 10 per cent in their airfares from Oct 14, 2004 in order to meet the unprecedented increase in prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

While Indian Airlines and Jet Airways affected a matching increase in their advance purchase (APEX) fare schemes also, Air Sahara said it would not touch its 'Surprise' scheme though prices of tickets under all others would be increased.

Under the new fare structure, a Delhi-Mumbai economy ticket of IA would cost Rs 7920 as against the existing Rs 7215, while that of Jet Airways would be Rs 7915 compared with Rs 7210 now.

Domestic airfares were raised by ten per cent in June this year to offset the 38 per cent increase in world crude prices.

The fare increase would be applicable in case of all tickets issued or reissued on or after Oct 14, 2004.

Confirmed tickets issued before this date would be accepted for travel at the pre-revised fares for the ticketed itinerary within the validity of the ticket, the airlines' spokespersons said.

The three carriers said their bottom lines had been hit badly by the unprecedented rise in world crude prices and consequential increase of 20 per cent in the price of ATF.