There is a proposal to ensure that one-hour-long flights are not charged more than Rs 2,500 per ticket, as part of the Centre’s efforts towards improving regional air connectivity. Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma mentioned the proposal in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, while concerns were raised regarding airlines charging exorbitant prices during emergencies such as the recent Jat agitation in Haryana and the floods in Chennai late last year.

There has been growing concern over the surging prices of air tickets, despite a drop in the cost of fuel, which accounts for more than 40% of a carrier’s operating charges. The government will consult with stakeholders, including airlines, to look into ways to check airfares during emergency situations, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said during a debate in the Lower House, PTI reported.

However, Raju acknowledged the help various airlines offered the government to evacuate stranded civilians from Tamil Nadu, by operating flights from Arakkonam airbase to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Airlines also came forward during the floods in Srinagar, the earthquake in Nepal and the Jat agitation in Haryana, the minister added.