Friday, August 30, 2024 Air travel fares could spike up to Rs 20,000-30,000 on some routes this festive season, despite early bookings and special airline deals. With the festive season around the corner, travelers might find themselves paying a premium for air travel, as fares on certain routes are expected to soar to between Rs 20,000 and Rs 30,000. This year’s Dussehra, falling on October 12, followed by Diwali on October 31, will see a significant surge in passenger demand.
While airlines have rolled out special offers to attract early bookings, these may not be sufficient to counter the predicted spike in ticket prices. Contrary to the popular belief that early bookings guarantee the best prices, travelers are noticing that rates remain higher than usual this year. This trend challenges the traditional practice of booking in advance to secure cheaper fares.
For instance, Vistara introduced its Freedom Sale on August 15, offering one-way domestic fares starting at Rs 1,578 for economy class, Rs 2,678 for premium economy, and Rs 9,978 for business class, applicable for travel up to October 31, 2024. Similarly, Air India Express launched a Flash Sale with domestic fares beginning at Rs 1,037, waiving convenience fees for bookings made by August 25 for travel between August 26 and October 24. Despite these promotions, industry experts predict that airfares will continue to escalate as the festive season approaches.
Travel platforms are already observing a notable increase in ticket prices, driven by the heightened demand. According to travel website Ixigo, there has been a 30-35% increase in advance flight bookings for Diwali and Dussehra in October and November compared to the same period last year, highlighting the growing demand for air travel during these celebrations. The trend of rising airfares during peak travel seasons is not new, but this year’s escalation appears steeper, influenced by various factors including increased operational costs and higher passenger demand.
While airlines are offering early bird deals to attract travelers, these offers may not be sufficient to curb the inflationary pressure on ticket prices. As a result, travelers planning their journeys during the festive period should be prepared for potentially higher costs, even if they book well in advance. In light of the expected fare hikes, travelers are advised to secure their bookings as soon as possible and explore alternative options such as budget airlines or flexible travel dates.
By staying informed and planning strategically, passengers can navigate the challenges of peak-season travel and enjoy their festive journeys without breaking the bank..
