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To attract more passengers during the slow monsoon season, airlines are offering significant discounts on domestic and international flights. Air India, now under the control of the Tata group, has launched discounted fares starting at Rs 2,449. The full-service carrier is also offering up to 70% off on all domestic and international routes in its business class. This move aims to lure more travelers during the lean season and provide them with affordable travel options.
Vistara, another full-service airline, announced a four-day sale starting on June 4. They are offering one-way domestic fares at Rs 1,999 for economy class, Rs 2,999 for premium economy, and Rs 9,999 for business class. This sale is part of their strategy to boost ticket sales and increase passenger numbers during the monsoon season.
Budget carriers like Air India Express and IndiGo are also joining the competition to attract flyers with limited-period ticket sales. Air India Express has fares starting from Rs 1,177, while IndiGo, the country's largest carrier, has all-inclusive fares starting at Rs 1,199 for both domestic and international flights.
Akasa Air, one of India's newest national airlines, is offering a 20% discount on all flights for travel until September 30. This discount is part of their effort to establish a strong presence in the market and attract more passengers during this period.
There has been a noticeable 5-6% drop in the number of daily passengers in June compared to the previous month, with the daily number hovering around 408,000. Unlike the summer of 2023, when airfares hit record highs, fares this summer have remained largely normal. According to Nuvama Institutional Equities, scheduled flights will be up 8% year on year in June, with market leader IndiGo adding 9% more flights. A Mumbai-based analyst said, "The new capacity will have an impact on fares. The passenger load factor (PLF) has fallen from the early 90s to the mid-80s."
Data from the Ministry of Civil Aviation shows that the PLF - the average occupancy rate per aircraft - has dipped to 81% in the first week of June from nearly 90% recorded in June last year. Spot fares on key routes are subdued. For instance, a direct flight from Mumbai to Delhi is available at Rs 4,500, which is lower than the typical Rs 5,200-5,500. Similarly, the cheapest ticket on a Mumbai to Chennai flight is priced at Rs 4,600, which is its usual price.
With these attractive offers, airlines hope to see an increase in the number of travelers, helping to offset the slow monsoon season. This makes it an ideal time for passengers to book their flights at reduced rates, taking advantage of the numerous discounts available.
