It seems that after two years of low earnings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the aviation industry is leveraging the festive season demand to regain profits. Festivals were celebrated with restrictions for the last two years. Thus, a large number of Indians have planned their vacations on the Diwali weekend this year. And the festive season is witnessing a steep hike in airfares.
Interestingly, demand for domestic flights this year has surpassed pre-COVID levels. Ever since the country started lifting restrictions, the revenge travel trend took over, pushing more and more people to make holiday plans.
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Mumbai-Andaman Airfare Hiked By Around ₹32,000 For The Diwali Weekend
Despite the exorbitant flight fares, most flights operating on non-stop routes during the Diwali period are already booked. Also, the Aviation Ministry removed all caps imposed on airfares in August, allowing airlines to choose their flight ticket prices. The average airfare between Mumbai and Andaman has seen a steep rise from ₹19,000 in 2021 to a thumping ₹51000 this year for the Diwali weekend, according to a Thomas Cook report. The report also revealed a hike from ₹12000 in 2021 to ₹30,000 on the Mumbai-Kerala route for the same period.
Travel Industry To Leverage The Festive Season Demand For Revival
According to a Financial Express report, airfares have increased by around 40% from last year for the Diwali weekend. As per a Live Mint report, the airfare for non-stop flights between Delhi and Goa for the Diwali weekend ranges between ₹16000 and ₹17000. Airfares for flights between Delhi and Kochi would be nearly ₹18,500 for the same period. With popular festivals lined up in the upcoming winter season, the travel and hospitality sector is anticipating mammoth profits.
Also Read: Diwali Long Weekend: 6 Resorts Near Mumbai That Are Perfect For The Festive Season
Meanwhile, are you ready to fly this Diwali with the exorbitant airfares?
Feature Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons and Unsplash
First Published: October 20, 2022 11:50 AM