On August 31, the government’s pricing band, which established an upper and lower price cap for domestic flights, will be removed. Airlines can now change their prices at will, without any government restrictions. It implies that airline tickets would be less expensive during slow travel seasons and expensive during busy travel seasons. Therefore, now is the ideal time to buy your tickets if you intend to spend Diwali in your hometown.
The cost of nonstop flights to most destinations is lower in September than it has ever been in the previous few months. For instance, the cheapest return cost from Delhi to Mumbai during the first week of September is Rs 7,800. The identical flight used to cost close to Rs 12,000 before rates were restricted.
“Travellers should book well in advance. Demand for domestic air tickets will be high during the festive season. Since fare caps have been removed, fares will be based on demand- supply situation. There will be no upper cap to limit they rise,” said Jay Bharti, vice president, Travel Agent Association of India.
The lowest round-trip price for a flight from Mumbai to Kolkata during Dussehra (the first week of October) is currently Rs 16,200. Diwali (October 24) travel costs are higher than those for regular September travel. The lowest round-trip airfare between Mumbai and Goa during the first week of September is Rs 4,800, whereas the same route costs Rs 8,000 during the week of Diwali.
Most of the time, the October return fare is currently Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 more expensive. Fares for Diwali will increase in the following weeks. The airline representative stated, “We anticipate a large demand for travel over the Diwali holidays this year. Most reservations are anticipated to be made in the two to three weeks prior to Diwali. However, as of October 1, prices for travel through the end of October are likely to be at least 20-24% costlier than they are today.”
