Airfares on India’s Delhi to Mumbai route are currently ranking amongst the highest in the world.
The cost of airfares on this major route has increased to the point where a 24-hour advance purchase of a non-stop flight which is currently averaging ₹14,000, is ranking amongst the highest global domestic airfares.
News source Livemint reports that Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said that the cost of airfares on certain routes from Delhi had generally reduced by 14 to 61% following an advisory group meeting earlier this month.
The minister went on to explain that the industry utilises an algorithm for pricing decisions. “The airlines have been given rights to fix airfares which are market controlled. The aviation market in the country is season based.”
“The rates are also fixed accordingly. If capacity is low and demand is high and input costs are not reduced, then rates will be high. There is an algorithm to decide the fare,” Scindia said.
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Factors contributing to price increases
There has been a significant rise in airfares on the Delhi-Mumbai route in recent months. In fact, the route has now become one of the most expensive in the world. There are a number of factors that have contributed to this rise in prices, including:
Increased demand: The Delhi-Mumbai route is one of the busiest in the world, with millions of passengers flying between the two cities each year. This increased demand has put upward pressure on prices.
High fuel prices: The price of jet fuel has been rising steadily in recent years and remains a global issue for the airline industry, and this has also contributed to the subsequent rise in airfares.
Competition: There are a number of airlines that operate on the Delhi-Mumbai route, but there is not a lot of competition between them. This lack of competition has allowed airlines to raise prices without fear of losing customers.
Flying on a budget
The rise in airfares has made it more difficult for people to travel between Delhi and Mumbai. This is especially true for people who are on a budget. However, there are a few things that people can do to save money on flights, such as:
Booking in advance: Generally speaking, earlier you book your flight, the more likely you are to get a good deal.
Considering low-cost airlines: There are a number of low-cost airlines that operate on the Delhi-Mumbai route. These airlines offer lower fares, but they may have fewer amenities and less legroom than traditional airlines.
Flying during off-peak hours: Flights during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night, are often cheaper than flights during peak hours.
Considering a train or bus: Trains and buses are a more affordable way to travel between Delhi and Mumbai. However, they may take longer than flying.
