Airlines woo globetrotters with 30% cut in ticket rates

NEW DELHI: Leading airlines have announced discounts on ticket rates to lure the Indian globetrotter. The offers range from return fares starting at about Rs 10,000 for the Gulf; Rs 16,000 for southeast Asia; Rs 33,000 for Europe and Rs 55,000 for North America. International fares up to 30% lower than normal ones are currently being offered by several big Indian and foreign airlines on these popular routes.

Different airlines have their sale for varying periods and specify the dates by which travel on discounted tickets must be completed. The sale on international fares by global biggies comes just after Indian carriers had offered low advance fares on their domestic and international routes for the coming lean travel season in a bid to fill up their planes then.

Jet Airways isoffering up to 20% discount on its flights to Paris, Amsterdam and Vienna. Turkish Airlines is offering 15% discount on all flights to passengers who book tickets on the latest version of the carrier’s mobile app. Gulf carriers have also lowered their faresfor a limited time. Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways are leading the fight for Indian traffic. “All-inclusive economy class fares from Delhi start at Rs 13,600 for destinations in the Middle East (West Asia), at Rs 34,800 for Europe and Rs 57,400 for USA...”Emirates said.