Pune: Airfares Surge Ahead of Festive Season, Sparking Concerns Among Travelers
Pune: Airfares Surge Ahead of Festive Season, Sparking Concerns Among Travelers
With Durga Puja and Diwali approaching, passengers face sky-high ticket prices, despite promises of regulation.
Pune: As the festive season draws near, travelers in Pune are grappling with soaring airfares, with one-way tickets to major cities such as Delhi, Kolkata, Patna, and Ranchi priced between ₹10,000 and ₹13,000. This spike comes despite assurances from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to regulate fare hikes. Compared to last year, airfare for the Diwali season has surged by 15% to 30%, with the most expensive flights ranging from ₹30,000 for one-way tickets during peak travel dates from October 30 to November 5.
In June, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu introduced a 100-day plan to address rising airfare concerns. Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, stated that ongoing discussions with airlines and efforts to increase serviceable aircraft are aimed at balancing the demand-supply ratio, which could help stabilize fares.
Airline insiders attribute the steep prices to increased demand during festive periods, in contrast to the lower fares seen in the off-season. The Travel Agents Association of India reports that fares on popular domestic routes have jumped by 50% to 60%, and international destinations have seen a 10% to 15% increase, affecting travel plans for many during the upcoming celebrations.
