Flight Fare: A SpiceJet official, on the condition of anonymity, said that this is perhaps the first time that the airline’s ticket sales were not as expected in the festive season quarter.
Airline Ticket Price: If you are planning to go home on the occasion of Diwali or Chhath and your ticket has not been confirmed yet, then this news is useful for you. Due to non-filling of flight seats, airlines have reduced fares by up to 8 percent. In fact, recently the airline companies had increased the ticket prices in anticipation of more demand during the festive season. But now the price is being reduced as the tickets are not being sold.
In the last few days, domestic airlines have announced offers regarding ticket sales several times. Airlines had already raised ticket prices in anticipation of increased demand due to the bankruptcy of Go First and grounding of planes due to the Pratt & Whitney engine issue. According to the news published in Economic Times, a SpiceJet official, on the condition of anonymity, said that this is probably the first time that the airline’s ticket sales were not as expected in the quarter of the festive season.
According to Civil Aviation Ministry data, the average occupancy of airlines has been below 85% as against the expectation of 90% load of airlines in the peak season. According to officials, the demand for airline tickets has declined by 10-15% compared to last year’s festive season. However, demand has increased compared to 2019 before the Covid pandemic. The fare reduction by the airline has been done at a time when costs including jet fuel and airport fees are increasing.
This time, the average flight fare in the week before Diwali remained stable at Rs 6,500 compared to last year. Domestic airlines are expected to have the highest sales during October-December. During this period, air travel for Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath Puja, Christmas and New Year is included.
Average occupancy (in%) for the first week of November
November 1—82.5%
November 2—84.3%
November 3—85.2%
November 4—84.6%
5 November—88.0 %
November 6—86.3%
November 7—83.5%
November 8—83.2%
