Three major carriers on Friday announced an across-the-board hike of 10 per cent in their airfares from October 14, in order to meet the unprecedented increase in prices of aviation turbine fuel.

While Indian Airlines and Jet Airways effected a matching increase in their advance purchase (APEX) fare schemes also, Air Sahara said it would not touch its 'Surprice' scheme though prices of tickets under all others would be increased.

Under the new fare structure, a Delhi-Mumbai economy ticket of Indian Airlines would cost Rs 7,920 as against the existing Rs 7215, while that of Jet Airways would be Rs 7,915 compared with Rs 7,210 now.

Domestic airfares were raised by 10 per cent in June this year to offset the 38 per cent increase in world crude prices.

The fare increase would be applicable in case of all tickets issued or reissued on or after October 14. Confirmed tickets issued before this date would be accepted for travel at the pre-revised fares for the ticketed itinerary within the validity of the ticket, the airlines' spokespersons said.

The three carriers said their bottomlines had been hit badly by the unprecedented rise in world crude prices and consequential increase of 20 per cent in the price of ATF.

The increase in ATF prices has led to a rise in the airlines' operating costs to over 33 per cent, aviation sources said.

The domestic ATF price has touched an unprecedented level of Rs 30,800 per kilolitre as against Rs 26,000 per KL in June. The ATF was priced at Rs 21,530 per KL in March this year.

The International Air Transport Association has voiced concern over the fact that the rise in ATF price has added about $10 billion in fuel costs for international operations alone.

The new IA fares on certain sectors would be as follows: Delhi-Chennai Rs 11,795, Delhi-Kolkata Rs 9,015, Bangalore-

Mumbai Rs 5,535, Chennai-Kolkata Rs 10,185, Delhi-Pune Rs 9,490 and Kolkata-Guwahati Rs 3,955.

Jet Airways' fares on these sectors would be Rs 11,790, Rs 9,075, Rs 5,800, Rs 10,265, Rs 9,485 and Rs 3,955 respectively.