NEW DELHI (TIP): Incentives to fly to small towns at affordable costs and easing the norms for domestic carriers to operate services abroad are some of the highlights of the new draft aviation policy, released on Friday for inputs from stakeholders before finalisation.

The primary aim of the policy is to ensure a tariff of no more than Rs 2,500 per ticket for each flying-hour with a host of incentives and other benefits to both airport developers and operators to make that happen.

“A lot of consultation has taken place. We invite suggestions from stakeholders and public — since it involves the people of India. After all those suggestions come in, we will look into it,” civil aviation minister Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju said.

“The policy will also have a fixed period of existence, so that Industry can plan in advance. That is the idea,” the minister told a press conference to unveil the new draft, along with his deputy Mahesh Sharma.

Govt unveils draft civil aviation policy; proposes slew of tax incentives for airlines, maintenance works. — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 30, 2015

“The basic behind of National Civil Aviation Policy is to take flying to the masses,” Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Nayan Choubey said, adding: operators will get some doles to fly to smaller towns with incentives linked to fuel prices and inflation.