Presenting the Delhi budget for 2017-18, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the cut in VAT on ATF will be applicable for direct flights between Delhi and remote areas identified under the RCS scheme as per prescribed conditions.
Sisodia said the decision to cut the VAT on ATF will benefit people from the Northeast and other remote areas as fares under RCS will come down significantly.
"We have decided to bring down VAT on ATF from 25 per cent to 1 per cent for flights to remote areas such as North Eastern states to support the Centre's regional connectivity scheme," Sisodia said.
An official from the Civil Aviation Ministry said though Delhi's IGI airport is not an RCS airport, the concession has been extended by the Delhi government to support RCS on the ministry's request.
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The airline companies have welcomed the move of Delhi government.
"This is a welcome move, which will help reduce costs and, in turn, help bring down fares for flights to smaller airports in the country. We support all initiatives that help reduce fares for our consumers," said Mr Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet.
Aditya Ghosh, President and Whole-Time Director, IndiGo, said "while this is a welcome move and it will provide the much needed impetus to the Regional Connectivity Scheme, we do request that this tax break is broadened to all air travel out of Delhi."
He said airlines who have opted to operate under RCS and will ply flights airports and helipads on prescribed routes involving Delhi will be able to avail the benefit.