Indian Airfares Soar: What's Behind This Year's Surge?


Skift Take

Airfares in India have been sky-high, making us wonder if we need a second mortgage to afford a plane ticket. However, a glimmer of hope emerges with the reported decline in recent fares. Let's keep our fingers crossed, hoping that this positive trend blazes into affordable reality.

Airfares in India have been soaring this year and a new report confirms the trend.

India experienced the highest increase in airfares among countries in the Asia Pacific region, according to a study conducted by Airports Council International (ACI) in collaboration with Flare Aviation Consulting.

“The fares have significantly increased, almost doubling the average fare for routes such as Mumbai-Delhi, with a fare that used to be around $70 now reaching approximately $110,” said Ajay Prakash, CEO of Nomad Travels.

Some claim the price surge is actually "price gouging," considering the substantial rise in fares that followed the tragic train accident earlier this month.

“Although domestic flights are consistently full, indicating the resilience of Indian travelers, the situation raises concerns about the ethics and fairness of the airline industry,” noted Prakash.