Wednesday, August 21, 2024 As India approaches the festive season, airfares have surged significantly with prices climbing by up to 25% for travel during Diwali and Onam. This spike in ticket prices has been observed across various domestic routes, as demand for flights increases with the onset of these major festivals. According to official sources and industry reports, this trend is expected to continue as the festival season draws nearer, impacting both leisure and business travelers.
Rising Demand Drives Airfare Hike The festive season in India traditionally sees a sharp increase in travel, as people return to their hometowns or go on holiday with their families. Diwali, celebrated across India, and Onam, primarily observed in Kerala, are among the most significant festivals in the country, leading to a surge in demand for air travel. Government sources and data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation indicate that this year, the demand for air travel is higher than usual.
A combination of factors including the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, an increase in disposable income and a general enthusiasm for festive celebrations after years of pandemic-related disruptions are responsible. This rise in demand has put upward pressure on airfares, with many travelers finding it difficult to secure affordable tickets. Impact on Key Routes The impact of this fare hike is being felt most acutely on key domestic routes, especially those connecting major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai to smaller cities and towns across India.
Routes to Kerala, in particular, have seen some of the highest increases, as the state prepares for Onam celebrations. According to reports from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), flights to popular destinations such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode have seen fare increases ranging from 15% to 25%, depending on the date of travel and the airline. Similarly, airfares on routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and other major cities to tier-2 and tier-3 cities have also seen significant hikes as Diwali approaches.
Travelers are advised to book their tickets as early as possible to avoid paying even higher prices closer to the festival dates. Airlines’ Response and Strategies In response to the surge in demand and rising airfares, several airlines have announced additional flights and increased capacity on high-demand routes. However, the increase in supply has not been sufficient to fully counterbalance the spike in demand, leading to continued high prices.
Airlines are also focusing on dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting fares in real-time based on demand and booking trends. The government has urged airlines to maintain fare transparency and ensure that passengers are aware of any additional charges that may apply. In addition, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has encouraged passengers to plan their travel well in advance and to consider flexible travel dates to find more affordable options.
Planning for Festive Travel For those planning to travel during the Diwali and Onam seasons, early booking remains the best strategy to avoid the steepest fares. Travelers may also benefit from exploring alternative airports or routes, as well as taking advantage of promotional offers and discounts that airlines may release closer to the travel dates. As the festive season approaches, keeping an eye on fare trends and booking at the right time can help mitigate the impact of the ongoing fare hikes, ensuring that the joy of the festivals is not dampened by expensive travel costs.
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