Travelling by planes may become costlier in the coming months, as the government is looking to levy 2% cess on air tickets. The proposal is part of the new civil aviation policy, the drafting of which is in final stages.

The money collected through this cess will be used toward "viability gap funding" of domestic airlines running flights to regional and remote areas, PTI reported.

"The Civil Aviation ministry is looking at levying two per cent cess on air tickets and the proposal is being considered as part of the new aviation policy," said a source familiar with the matter.

Under the new policy, the government is considering to increase air connectivity to regional and remote areas such as the North East, besides taking measures to improve the domestic aviation industry. 

"The money garnered through cess would be utilised to provide airlines, that fly to remote areas, with viability gap funding," said a source.

The government is also evaluating proposals to relax norms for domestic carriers in operating international flights.

Under the current policy, Indian airlines, which have operated domestic flights for five years and have a minimum fleet of 20 planes, are allowed to run international flights.

"Now, one of the options being looked at is the possibility of reducing the mandatory requirement of five years operational experience," source said.

Major airlines that run flights on international routes such as Jet Airways are against any relaxation in the norm, as it would deny the "existing level-playing ground" for them and allow other carriers to enter the segment easily.

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