Ahmedabad: Airfares from Ahmedabad to Kolkata have witnessed a sharp increase, with one-way ticket prices touching Rs 17,000 to Rs 22,000 on election dates. This surge is attributed to a combination of election-related travel, ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) matches, and peak holiday demand. Additionally, a hike in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices has further impacted fares.
Impact on Passengers
Disha Basu, a professional based in Ahmedabad, booked a flight to Kolkata on April 25 for a work trip ten days in advance. She shared, 'A one-way ticket from Ahmedabad to Kolkata cost me upwards of Rs 20,000. I understand the dynamic pricing policy, but paying this amount really burnt a hole in my pocket.'
High Fares Across Routes
The high fares are not limited to a single route. Direct round-trip economy fares from Ahmedabad to other major destinations have also increased. When booked a week to ten days in advance, tickets to Bengaluru are hovering around Rs 9,000, while Delhi fares are close to Rs 8,800. Flights to Chandigarh are among the steepest at roughly Rs 14,000. Even the typically competitive Mumbai route has firmed up to about Rs 6,500 per person for a one-way ticket.
Reasons Behind the Surge
'Multiple demand drivers have aligned at the same time: elections, IPL travel, and summer holidays. Capacity additions have not kept pace, which is pushing fares higher across sectors. This is disrupting summer travel plans of many customers,' said Manish Sharma, a travel expert in Ahmedabad. With flexible travel dates narrowing and last-minute bookings rising, fares for leisure travellers are higher than the averages, particularly on high-demand days and weekends.
