Airlines must present a plan to make tickets cheaper within 10 days, says minister

The Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, stated that airlines must present, within 10 days, a plan to reduce ticket prices. He met this Tuesday (14) with representatives of the sector, in Brasília. “We know that the increase in fares is a global issue. In Europe and the United States, we saw an increase in airfares. What we cannot accept and allow are abusive increases that have harmed the Brazilian population”, said Costa Filho.

In a note, the ministry highlighted that the amounts charged for tickets should reflect the drop of around 14% in the price of aviation kerosene (QAv). Fuel accounts for 40% of the ticket price. Furthermore, according to the ministry, the reduction in the judicialization of consumer relations in the sector, the non-increase in taxes on civil aviation and the stimulation of competition with the entry of new airlines into the Brazilian market also need to be taken into account.

The minister also considered that the airline sector was one of those that suffered most during the pandemic. He recalled that the Brazilian market represents more than 70% of the judicialization of the segment worldwide, with annual impacts of R$1 billion for companies. “This year we will see growth in Brazilian aviation, going from 89 million passengers to almost 100 million,” he stated.

According to inflation measured by the Broad Consumer Price Index (IPCA), air tickets rose 23.70% in October compared to the previous month.

“What we are doing is talking, looking for alternatives, trying to convince airlines about the importance of lowering ticket prices. In some cases, it’s true, we buy tickets for R$200, R$300, R$400, in some sections. But, there are others that went from R$1,500 to R$3,500, R$4,000, which are unjustifiable”, said Costa Filho.