Air fares go into a tailspin, down 20% to 30% from March last year

MUMBAI: The domestic air traveller hasn't had it this good in over a year. Those who book for April or even the beginning of May can expect to bag fares almost 20% to 30% lower than those in March last year. April and May-beginning are usually lean travel months. Airfares for travel in April, even weekends, are already lower than the usual fares during lean months.

A search on Saturday through major online travel portals throws up a one-way fare of Rs 4,600 from Mumbai to Delhi on a weekend. The return on Monday morning is as cheap as Rs 4,300. A Mumbai-to-Delhi ticket, a few months ago, would cost at least Rs 6,000.

A Mumbai-to-Kolkata flight ticket for April could cost Rs 4,700. Another usually expensive destination, Chennai, comes for as low as Rs 4,100 for April. Usually, a one-way fare to the capital of Tamil Nadu costs at least Rs 6,500. Similarly, fares to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Goa are all available between Rs 2,700 and Rs 3,000.

By keeping fares low, airlines are trying to maximize passenger loads during the lean season, travel experts told TOI. Although a spate of discounts, on offer till last week, are, over, fares to most domestic destinations continue to be at their lowest since March 2012, barring the next weekend, which happens to be the eve of Holi.



'To ensure no empty seats'

"These rates are meant to entice people. Low fares stimulate travel and prompt people to take a short holiday," said Rajesh Rateria, managing director, Cirrus Travels. Rateria added the idea is to change the travel pattern so that seats don't go empty. These fares aren't for those busy with exams or business results. These are only meant for those who can squeeze in a weekend getaway, he added.

Experts said airlines are known to drop fares to attract fliers in a lean season. Travel agents, though, are still surprised that fares are at least 30% lower than March 2012. "This is a way to cover the cost of operations. There are many couples and groups of friends who have booked during April. Even though Goa is very hot right now, people are travelling to just have a good time away from Mumbai. Some have booked for Delhi to go up to McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh. There are people who have taken holidays to go to Bangalore and the neighbouring areas," said a Mumbai travel agent.

Pradip Lulla from Cupid Travels said domestic fares may have also been slashed be due to the immense popularity of international destinations. "Indian travellers are opting for places like Thailand and Sri Lanka, which turn out to be cheaper than many domestic destinations. Also, they are much cooler and can afford a good stay to even a budget traveller," said Lulla. " Domestic holidays are becoming rarer these days."