Airfares remain on erratic flight path

Mumbai: The recent reduction in airfares may be giving flyers a reason to smile, but their joy may just be short-lived. Though the skyrocketing airfares seem to have been reined in at the moment, prices are unlikely to remain stable at current figures for long, say industry experts.
Air Passengers Association of India (APAI) President Sudhakar Reddy said, "The fares have come down for now but airlines are eminently capable of increasing fares at the last minute.
We need to continue our push for a stronger regulatory body to supervise the process of deciding airfares. While fares are expected to climb down further in mid-January, a long-term solution to the problem will only be found when the regulatory body is put in place."
While admitting that airfares on the four busiest sectors from Mumbai Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and Goa have become cheaper, travel agents expressed doubts about current levels being sustained.
"The fares are relatively cheaper now than they were during Diwali, but tickets which used to cost Rs 3,500 on the Delhi sector before Diwali now cost Rs 5,500 and more. A further hike is expected around March-end," said Devang Sanghvi of Venus Holidays.
"Fares are cheaper compared to the period during and after Diwali, but stability is lacking. Fares can double or triple within hours," pointed out ticketing agent Vikash Kumar.
"I booked a ticket to Goa for the New Year and my ticket from Mumbai cost me Rs 3,500, but the return ticket is costing me Rs 13,000. I fail to understand why I am being charged so much," said bewildered frequent flyer and Borivli resident D Srinivasan.
29/12/10 Bipin Kumar Singh/MiD DAY

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Dec 2010