AIRFARE PRICES
ET Graphics: Prices rise on every front
Retail inflation rose to 6.09% in October, crossing the RBI’s 6% upper limit for the first time under the new CPI series. Food inflation hit 8.94%, while 26.5% of items and 11 states and UTs recorded inflation above 6%.
Your next flight could cost more even if oil prices fall: Here's what is changing
Airlines face challenges that could prevent ticket price reductions despite falling oil prices and rising fuel costs. These challenges include aircraft maintenance expenses and delays in aircraft deliveries, which add to overall operational costs. Airlines are managing ticket prices carefully to balance their revenue recovery with passengers' price sensitivities. Consequently, travelers should remain aware of total travel costs, including various surcharges and fees.
Don't let fare caps clip airlines' wings
Recently, airline price surges during festival seasons have raised concerns about imposing fare caps. While there is public demand for such measures, they may disrupt airlines' pricing flexibility. Regulations on airfares are more effective when they account for market demand and emergencies like natural disasters. Airlines might resort to add-on charges if their revenue is impacted by fare restrictions.
Soaring fares fail to ground year-end international travel plans
Despite a 25% increase in international airfares, bookings for year-end overseas holidays among Indians have risen by one-third. Many travelers are opting for more affordable destinations, especially in Southeast Asia and Japan. Airlines are reporting full flights, indicating high demand for international travel from India. Some international carriers are increasing their flight capacities in response to this demand.
British Airways parent profit drops on higher fuel costs
IAG, the owner of British Airways and Iberia, said Friday that its net profit dropped more than 12 percent in the third quarter on soaring fuel costs and flight disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. The group said its overall flight capacity had been hit "by cancellations due to the conflict in the Middle East, together with aircraft availability linked to engine issues and disruption related to air traffic control disruption".
Parliamentary panel raises concerns over high airfares; IndiGo, Air India flag rising fuel costs, Pakistan airspace closure
A parliamentary panel raised concerns over high airfares during discussions with IndiGo and Air India officials. Rising Aviation Turbine Fuel prices and the closure of Pakistan airspace were cited as major factors. IndiGo reported significant losses in the September quarter due to these issues, alongside challenges faced by Air India. The meeting also reviewed aircraft security and global aviation practices in India.
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700% jump in airfare: Supreme Court says 'don't travel by air'
The Supreme Court refused urgent listing of a plea alleging a 700% surge in airfares, with the bench telling passengers, "Don't travel by air." The case comes amid growing scrutiny of unpredictable airline ticket prices in India. The court is separately hearing a plea seeking an independent aviation regulator, transparent airfare rules and stronger passenger protection against exorbitant fare hikes.
IndiGo expects first Airbus A350 delivery in second quarter of 2028, CEO Willie Walsh says
The anticipated delivery of IndiGo's first Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft is scheduled for the second quarter of 2028, according to CEO Willie Walsh. The airline is focused on expanding its long-haul routes despite the hurdles of increasing fuel costs and a falling rupee. To better manage its operations, IndiGo has cut back on its Saudi Arabia routes.
Government notifies new airfare rules, allows intervention in extraordinary situations
The government has notified new rules allowing it to intervene in airline ticket prices in extraordinary situations and in the public interest, amid concerns over high airfares in the backdrop of elevated crude oil and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
Delhi-Lucknow bullet train journey in 2 hours 12 minutes compared to 6 hours 25 minutes by Vande Bharat: What the Northern Corridor proposes
Delhi and Lucknow could be connected by a bullet train in 2 hours and 12 minutes under the proposed Northern Corridor approved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also shared estimated travel times for Agra, Kanpur and Varanasi as the planned network is set to extend from Delhi to Guwahati.
Bengaluru to Paris Flight costs Rs 25,838, less than Prayagraj at Rs 27,817 for Diwali? Viral fare comparison has internet divided
As Diwali approaches, numerous Indians are grappling with steep airfare costs when returning home, sparking worries about travel expenses. A viral graphic recently illustrated how flying to Paris can be less expensive than travelling to Prayagraj, underscoring a surge in domestic flight prices during this festive period. The surge is influenced by factors like heightened demand and rising fuel prices.
As US airlines deploy AI pricing tools, startups help travelers cash in on fare drops
Innovative startups such as JetBack, Junova, and Refare are harnessing artificial intelligence to assist travelers in reclaiming fare discrepancies. With airlines removing change fees, individuals enjoy more freedom when reserving flights. These companies track ticket price alterations post-booking and advocate for refunds or credits. Nevertheless, potential changes in airline policies could challenge these services' effectiveness. Despite this, the startups empower consumers to manage variable airfare costs.
Air India Express denies boarding to woman & 3-year-old on confirmed flight; Court orders Rs 70,000 payout plus interest
A consumer commission in Kerala has directed Air India Express to pay Rs 70,000 to a woman and her three-year-old son after they were denied boarding on a confirmed Kochi-Abu Dhabi flight in 2021. The airline must also refund Rs 20,287 with 9% interest after the passengers were forced to buy fresh tickets to Sharjah.
IndiGo may hike ticket prices to offset soaring fuel bills, says CEO Willie Walsh
Amidst escalating fuel prices that heavily strain profitability, IndiGo is looking at the possibility of raising ticket prices. The airline reported a significant net loss of Rs 1,879.1 crore for the September quarter, with fuel costs surging by 67.2% compared to last year. CEO Willie Walsh highlighted the challenges in reducing costs due to the airline's efficiency.
Airlines can't predict oil prices anymore. Travellers may be left footing the bill
Airlines globally face challenges in fuel cost hedging as prices remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions. Major airlines like AirAsia and Ryanair have halted new hedges, anticipating further fare increases. Higher fuel costs may push ticket prices up by 15% to 20%, straining consumer willingness to pay. Many US and European airlines have reduced hedging, exposing them to market fluctuations.
Easier visas draw Indian travellers, but Japan and Europe show experiences still matter
In 2026, visa-free entry and simplified visa processes are shaping the travel preferences of Indian tourists. Popular searches have revealed that travellers are particularly drawn to Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan. Malaysia is actively working to enhance its appeal for Indian visitors through easier accessibility and budget-friendly options. Meanwhile, Japan persists as a favoured choice, boasting rich cultural experiences despite existing visa challenges.
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
Cheaper air tickets may remain a distant dream for Indian flyers
Indian flyers may have to wait longer for airfare relief after the festive season as elevated aviation turbine fuel prices, rupee depreciation and West Asian conflict-related disruptions keep costs high. ICRA expects fares to remain elevated in the near term, with sustained relief depending on lower fuel prices and improved capacity availability.
Indians travel more despite costly flights, hotel rates to jump 27% post-Diwali
Travel bookings are on the rise for the festive season, with significant demand reported by various companies. Average hotel rates are expected to spike substantially during this timeframe, particularly in popular destinations. As a result, Goa is projected to experience the largest increase in accommodation prices. International bookings are also surging, especially to destinations like Maldives and Thailand for the festive period.
India braces for first Diwali after Gulf war with tighter budgets
As households prepare for Diwali, rising food prices and travel expenses are impacting festive budgets significantly. Increased costs for essential items like vegetables and sweets are leading to reduced discretionary spending. E-commerce platforms have seen lower sales compared to last year, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour.
Expensive flights, struggling airlines: Why India's airfare crisis has no easy fix for passengers
India's proposed new airfare framework would require airlines to submit fare structures to the DGCA a month in advance, amid festive-season fare spikes of up to 68% on major domestic routes. Rising fuel costs, limited capacity and airline failures complicate efforts to protect passengers from steep price increases.
Thailand considers Rs 2,836 departure tax that could make trips costlier for Indian travellers
Thailand is contemplating a departure tax of 1,000 baht for travellers leaving the country and 450 baht for air arrivals. This proposal aims to increase government revenue due to the ongoing recovery of its tourism sector. Concerns have been raised regarding potential discouragement of tourist visits and the effect on airfares.
'Govt has no plans to regulate airfares'
India's government has clarified that it will not regulate ticket prices for airlines under new rules. The new air fare regulations will allow the government to set limits during extraordinary situations like natural calamities. Airlines will need to get their fares approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation a month in advance. Recent data indicates that average airfares this festive season have increased significantly due to higher fuel costs.
Cleartrip eyes sustained revenue growth driven by air travel, non-air business
Cleartrip expects to sustain its growth momentum in 2027, with non-air services such as hotels, buses, trains and holiday packages gaining share. The Flipkart-owned platform reported 40% overall growth in January-June 2026, while its chief growth officer flagged subdued travel demand, higher airfares and a 30-40% rise in road-based travel activity.
Charting the global economy: Inflationary pressures mount in US
A broad upswing in consumer prices last month helps reinforce expectations for additional Federal Reserve interest-rate increases in the months ahead.
Will flyers get relief? Centre finalises aviation rules as SC examines steep airfares
Centre has received administrative approval for rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, and expects to publish them within two weeks, the Supreme Court was informed on Friday. The court is hearing a plea seeking independent aviation regulation, greater passenger protection and safeguards against unpredictable airfares and ancillary charges.
Supreme Court asks Centre to submit final airfare rules by November 16
The Supreme Court has mandated that the government submit finalized rules regarding airline fare regulations within a month. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that these rules are anticipated to be published shortly. Previously, the civil aviation ministry reported that airlines were not adhering to fare directives. This public interest litigation highlights concerns about arbitrary airline pricing affecting travelers.
US PPI inflation surges 1.3% as gasoline prices jump 20.3% - why are Treasury yields falling?
US PPI inflation jumped 1.3% in September as gasoline prices surged 20.3%, marking the biggest monthly increase since March 2022. Producer prices rose 6.3% annually, while Treasury yields fell despite hotter-than-expected wholesale inflation.
No Wi-Fi, more wellness: Indian travellers are rewriting their holiday plans for 2027
Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2027 report identifies seven emerging travel trends among Indians, from wellness holidays and music-led trips to history-inspired journeys and destination choices driven by currency value. The report found that 58 per cent of Indian travellers plan to travel abroad more in 2027, even as 67 per cent have changed or considered changing a holiday destination to find better value.
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