The new year is likely to prove happier for travellers who book their air tickets much in advance, with fares expected to drop by almost a fifth as airlines plan more discounts to lure railway passengers.
The industry expects domestic air travel to become more affordable in 2013, after fares shot up by 30-50% in 2012, compared with the previous year, following significant removal of capacity from the market due to the gradual grounding of Kingfisher Airlines.
"The industry is maturing and we expect to see airlines competing with railways by offering more 30-60 day advance purchase schemes, causing 10-20% reduction in advance ticket prices," said Keyur Joshi, chief operating officer of Makemytrip.com, India's biggest travel portal.
26/12/12 AnindyaUpadhyay/Economic Times
