As AI stir continues, LCCs hike fares on metro routes
29 Apr 2011
Mumbai: With Air India management deciding to suspend bookings for the next five days, private carriers have raised fares on metro routes even as peak summer travel season looms ahead. Industry sources say fares have shot up by 10-20% on metro routes, including Delhi-Mumbai.
According to industry professionals, Air India commands about 15 per cent market share and so it stood to reason that fares would shoot up when the services of such a carrier were withdrawn.
According to reports, low-cost carriers GoAir and IndiGo were selling tickets on the Delhi-Mumbai route for as high as Rs6,558 (morning flight) and Rs5,429 (night flight), respectively, for bookings made two days ahead of travel.
These prices are Rs1,000 higher than average prices on this sector.
Experts said there was a 10% increase in fares on Wednesday and a further 10% hike on Thursday. The trend would only continue as the pilot agitation at Air India continues.
Jet Airways, India's largest private carrier by way of passengers carried, has so far increased fares by 20% while SpiceJet fares have gone up about 16%.
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