The Cincinnati domestic fares of the Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines are being slashed from 5 percent to 60 percent. The price reduction, which comes as a revenue-generating measure at the underperforming hub, will be applicable with immediate effect to fares of all the 87 domestic destinations from Cincinnati.

Delta said that to avail the reduced fares, the tickets should be purchased three weeks in advance. It also added that the fares of the nine overseas destinations from Cincinnati remained unaffected by the fare reduction.

The carrier, saying that there is no shutdown date for the new fares, noted that Cincinnati airport's high fares were prompting travelers to drive down to competing airports to board cheaper flights.

As per the US Department of Transportation, the average air fares at the Cincinnati airport were the highest in the 2008 third quarter - a domestic round trip from Cincinnati cost $597 as against the national average of $362!

Commenting on the move by Delta, Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory that lower fares will help in more than one ways - travel for local residents will become easier and cheaper; traffic at the airport will increase; and be an added plus for businesses to invest in Cincinnati.

According to David Stempler, Air Travelers Association President, "Certainly it's good news for passengers in the Cincinnati area. Any fare reductions are welcome!"