Domestic airfares set to rise this summer as flight numbers drop

Travellers should brace for higher domestic airfares this summer, following the pattern seen in international flights since the Iran conflict began. The upcoming summer schedule, effective March 29, will see about 3,000 fewer weekly domestic flights, a 12% drop from last summer’s 25,610.

With fare caps removed and fewer flights on offer, the cost of air travel is expected to climb sharply, according to a report by Times of India. “A significant hike in aviation turbine fuel prices is expected from April 1. That will mean a serious increase in operating costs and fares. Though Air India group, IndiGo and Akasa have either hiked or levied, that will mean nothing compared to the ATF hike being anticipated," an industry insider told TOI.

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"At those levels, only a handful of either profitable (read IndiGo) or backed by cash-rich groups (read Tata for Air India) will be able to operate flights as per demand. Some weak players simply won't have funds to fill up their planes and will struggle to remain afloat,” they added.

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Airlines are aware that raising fares too high could dampen demand, which in turn could lead to even fewer flights. The approved schedule sets the maximum flights an airline can operate, but actual numbers will depend on factors such as demand, operating costs, and fuel prices.

Passengers are advised to plan early and book tickets in advance as domestic travel is expected to become costlier under the new schedule.

(With TOI inputs)