NEW DELHI: As the New Year approaches, airlines flying the busy Mumbai-Delhi route are facing backlash from travelers due to sky-high airfares. Major carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara have significantly hiked their ticket prices, exploiting the high demand during the festive season.
One-way fares for economy class on flights between December 31st and January 1st are now priced between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000, a staggering increase from the usual ₹5,000 to ₹7,000. Meanwhile, premium tickets have surged to over ₹30,000, further angering passengers.
ALSO READ: Sam Konstas to open in Boxing Day Test against India
The rapid price hikes have left many travelers frustrated, especially as these airlines offer little in return for inflated prices. Despite offering minimal additional services or benefits, these airlines seem to be capitalizing on the seasonal rush, knowing that many passengers have no choice but to pay these excessive fares.
Passengers seeking affordable travel options are feeling trapped, as the inflated prices during the holiday season are making air travel seem unaffordable for many. What makes this price hike even more concerning is the fact that airlines like IndiGo, Air India, and Vistara are recovering from the pandemic and gradually increasing their flight capacities.
ALSO READ: Pushpa 2 tops Rs. 1200 crore mark in India
Yet, despite a return to normalcy in terms of operations, these airlines are still charging outrageous prices, leaving passengers questioning the fairness of the market. Many travelers have raised concerns about the lack of price regulation in the aviation sector, especially during a time when families and businesses are relying on affordable travel to reunite or conduct essential work.
In light of the price surge, some passengers are exploring alternative transportation options, such as trains. Despite being a slower mode of travel, trains offer far more reasonable fares and have seen an increase in bookings as travelers look to avoid the inflated airfare on flights.
However, with Mumbai-Delhi flights being one of the busiest routes in India, travelers are still finding it difficult to secure affordable tickets. Given the high demand and limited seat availability, it is clear that these airlines are prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction, making it harder for the average traveler to afford their holiday flights.