The period between May 10 and June 5 is considered the peak season for domestic travel and hiking fare during this time is a standard practice.
Families planning an air travel during the summer vacations this year are in for a rude shock as airlines have increased fares by as much as 25 per cent and they are expected to shoot up further.
Earlier this year, Spice-Jet, Jet Airways and Air India had announced bonanza fares in which over 40 lakh advance purchase fare (Apex) scheme tickets were up for grabs. But now passengers will have to shell out Rs.10,221 for a one-way Delhi-Chennai flight on May 15 which cost Rs.7,889 on March 15.
The period between May 10 and June 5 is considered the peak season for domestic travel and hiking fare during this time is a standard practice.
"The airfare (hike in fares) has been designed keeping in view the demand during the summer rush which starts next month soon after the schools close for vacations," an Air India official said.
However, with airfares shooting through the roof and the economic slowdown beginning to bite, the middle class will have to opt either for longer train journeys or else settle for modest destinations closer to home.
Soon after the end of bonanza airfares, leading carriers Air India and Jet Airways hiked fuel surcharge on airfares by up to Rs.150.
"There is no fare hike as such. During the peak season, fares are generally available only in the highest slab because the lower ones get sold out well in advance. Naturally, a passenger will have to pay more for booking closer to the date of travel," said Kapil Kaul, CEO South Asia Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.
MD of Kesari Tours Private Limited, Veena Patil the fall of Kingfisher Airlines has led to a capacity crunch.
"All airlines are now trying to take advantage of the situation as this is the only time of the year when they can make money," Veena said.
Earlier this year, Spice-Jet, Jet Airways and Air India had announced bonanza fares in which over 40 lakh advance purchase fare (Apex) scheme tickets were up for grabs. But now passengers will have to shell out Rs.10,221 for a one-way Delhi-Chennai flight on May 15 which cost Rs.7,889 on March 15.
The period between May 10 and June 5 is considered the peak season for domestic travel and hiking fare during this time is a standard practice.
"The airfare (hike in fares) has been designed keeping in view the demand during the summer rush which starts next month soon after the schools close for vacations," an Air India official said.
However, with airfares shooting through the roof and the economic slowdown beginning to bite, the middle class will have to opt either for longer train journeys or else settle for modest destinations closer to home.
Soon after the end of bonanza airfares, leading carriers Air India and Jet Airways hiked fuel surcharge on airfares by up to Rs.150.
"There is no fare hike as such. During the peak season, fares are generally available only in the highest slab because the lower ones get sold out well in advance. Naturally, a passenger will have to pay more for booking closer to the date of travel," said Kapil Kaul, CEO South Asia Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation.
MD of Kesari Tours Private Limited, Veena Patil the fall of Kingfisher Airlines has led to a capacity crunch.
"All airlines are now trying to take advantage of the situation as this is the only time of the year when they can make money," Veena said.