airfare surge

Indian aviation faces unprecedented turbulence due to a perfect storm of factors. From pandemic fallout and engine failures to airspace closures and a Middle East war driving fuel prices sky-high, airlines are struggling. Passengers face rising fares and cancelled routes as the sector grapples with deep financial distress and operational chaos.

Around 1.25 lakh Indian Haj pilgrims face a last-minute Rs 10,000 airfare hike due to rising jet fuel costs amid Middle East instability. Airlines initially sought a larger increase, but the government capped it, shifting the burden to pilgrims despite years of careful financial planning.

ATF or jet fuel, for international carriers became costlier on Friday, with prices rising by 5 per cent. This marks the second consecutive monthly increase as oil marketing companies continue to gradually pass on the impact of higher global energy prices.

The West Asia conflict is significantly impacting summer travel, prompting families to avoid international destinations due to safety concerns and escalating costs. This shift has led to a surge in bookings for domestic hill stations and coastal areas, with popular spots like Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh experiencing increased footfall and higher package prices.

Voters are rushing home to Kolkata for the second phase of elections, causing air and train fares to skyrocket. Fear of names disappearing from electoral rolls has led to a surge in last-minute bookings, with many making expensive one-day return trips solely to cast their vote.

As unpredictability hovers over international trips due to the West Asia conflict and rising airfares, travellers are not cancelling their plans but readjusting their itineraries

India has significantly hiked export duties on diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) to Rs 55.5 and Rs 42 per litre respectively, effective immediately. This move aims to curb rising fuel costs impacting airfares and protect airlines and passengers amidst volatile global oil prices. Petrol exports remain duty-free.

Emigrants form 8% of the state electorate, and are active participants in homeland affairs. The extent to which war has deterred them from travelling to vote this time, may affect a closely fought election’s outcome