Nagpur: Air travellers from Nagpur are facing weeks of uncertainty as Air India and IndiGo begin suspending several flights from the city starting Monday, June 1, citing operational and cost-rationalisation measures. The move comes at one of the busiest travel periods of the year, coinciding with the summer vacation rush and the reopening of colleges across the country.
Temporary Suspension and Its Impact
The temporary suspension of several services, likely to continue for one to two months, has left passengers scrambling for alternatives amid soaring airfares and limited seat availability. Although both airlines have assured refunds or rebooking on alternate flights, travellers and industry stakeholders say the sudden cuts are affecting connectivity and convenience.
Travel Agents Hit Hard
Travel agents report that the impact is already being felt. Sandip Katekar, a Nagpur-based tour operator, said he had to cancel three Mumbai-Pune tour packages due to the disruption. "Now I'm negotiating with customers and trying to secure last-minute train tickets. It disrupts planned itineraries and creates unnecessary complications," he said.
Students and Professionals Worst Affected
Students and working professionals are among the worst affected, particularly those returning to their colleges and workplaces after the holidays. Friends Zena and Esha, who work in Mumbai and Hyderabad, respectively, described the situation as a major setback. "We have to get back to work, but airfares have shot up. Finding alternatives at such short notice is very difficult," they said.
Skyrocketing Airfares
Passengers have also expressed frustration over the steep rise in ticket prices. Vijay Sharma noted that fares that typically cost around Rs 6,000 have surged to nearly Rs 15,000. "These prices are unaffordable. I will likely switch to trains despite the longer journey," he said.
Others highlighted the stress of managing sudden changes. Swati Bhuwate said last-minute cancellations and rearrangements can be exhausting, while Rajdeep Ghude pointed out that postponing travel is often not an option. "For return trips, we may have to look at alternative routes or rely on trains," he said.
Industry Concerns
The flight cuts have also drawn concern from industry bodies. AID president Ashish Kale said the reduction in flights, partly linked to the ongoing West Asia situation and rising fuel costs, could hurt Vidarbha's economic prospects. "These routes connect Nagpur with Mumbai, the state's economic hub, and are crucial. We will push airlines to restore services," he said.
Student Worries
Students, too, are worried about the timing. Rajas Pande noted that June is a critical period when thousands return to colleges across the country. "Flight cancellations and higher fares will disrupt both budgets and schedules," he said.
Outlook
With the temporary reductions likely to continue in the coming weeks, stakeholders fear ongoing inconvenience for travellers and financial losses for businesses that depend on consistent air connectivity from Nagpur.
