Summer travellers feel the heat as air fares rise

Mumbai: The rising air fares seem to be dampening the spirits of Indian leisure travellers this summer. While the average load factors on domestic routes are down by around three percentage points that on international destinations have taken a two percentage-point hit.
Globally, the load factors are at 68 per cent, down from 70 per cent last year. In India, the numbers stand at 72 per cent, down from 75 per cent last year.
Average ticket price this summer ranges from Rs 4,000 to Rs 7,000 (including taxes and surcharges) between Mumbai and key southern cities such as Chennai, Hyderabad or Bangalore, an increase of Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 from last year. Travel industry experts say fuel surcharge is the main reason for the increase.
12/05/08 Shubhra Tandon/Business Line

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General May 2008