Soaring airfares ground Diwali holiday makers in India

Mumbai, Sept 19: The prices of airline fares will increase due to the hike in fuel prices, which will hit the pocket of common people during the Diwali holidays.

The hike in the prices of aviation turbine fuel has pushed up the airline fares. So, during Diwali, common people will have to pay more for long distance trips to places like Jaipur, Lucknow and Kolkata even if they've booked their tickets in advance. The airline fares for Mumbai to Delhi trip will cost around Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,000 which is almost double than the usual rate and the cost for Mumbai to Jaipur trip will be around Rs.8,000. The prices can increase up to Rs 19,000 depending on the availability of seats and time. Mumbai to Lucknow trip will cost between Rs 9,000 to Rs 16,000.

A travel agent has been quoted as saying, "This, when both the places have innumerable flights to and from Mumbai. There are at least 50 flights between Mumbai and Delhi."

He added, "But as many go to Delhi as well as Jaipur businessmen head to home for the festival of Diwali, the demand is high and so are the fares. Most people have already booked their seats in advance, but the late-comers are paying the price, literally."

Even the trip to kolkata will be costly, as the fares will be around Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000.

A Fort-based agent has been quoted as saying, "There are a few tickets for Rs 8,000 for Kolkata. Most morning flights, which are also the most preferred ones, are selling for Rs 15,000 onwards."

Director of Cupid Travels, Pradip Lulla was quoted as saying, "Diwali was the time when domestic travel picks up. Domestic travel was lean till bookings for Diwali started. That week, most people visit other cities and hence, the fares rise. During Christmas, the same happens for Goa."

He added, "So, many have already booked Goa tickets for December. If one has to travel on reasonable fares, one has to book early for festivals."

OneIndia News