The Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Tariff Monitoring Unit has recently brought attention to the exorbitant airfares witnessed on non-stop flights from Mumbai to northern states like UP, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand during the Diwali week this year. This revelation comes as a cause for concern, shedding light on the challenges faced by air travelers during the festive season.
The unit, responsible for scrutinizing fares on 60 routes through a random sampling approach, conducted a comprehensive analysis at various intervals leading up to the scheduled flights. Fares were monitored 30 days, 15 days, 7 days, 3 days, 2 days, and 1 day ahead of the flights, providing a thorough overview of the pricing dynamics.
The findings exposed a disturbing trend of exceptionally high airfares during the Diwali week, raising eyebrows among both authorities and passengers. The elevated prices were particularly pronounced on non-stop flights connecting Mumbai to states in the north, affecting travel plans for individuals celebrating the festival with their families.
The festive season, especially Diwali, witnesses a surge in demand for air travel as people seek to reunite with their loved ones. However, the escalating fares observed this year have sparked concerns about potential exploitation of this heightened demand by airlines.
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While airlines often cite factors such as increased operational costs, limited seat availability, and peak-season demand as justifications for higher fares, the Tariff Monitoring Unit aims to ensure transparency and fairness in pricing. The unit’s role is crucial in safeguarding consumer interests and preventing undue financial burden on travelers.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation is expected to delve deeper into the matter, examining the pricing strategies employed by airlines during the Diwali week. Authorities may explore measures to regulate and monitor airfares more closely, ensuring that passengers are not subjected to unfair pricing practices.
The revelation of soaring airfares during the Diwali week highlights the need for a robust monitoring system to safeguard the interests of air travelers. As the Ministry of Civil Aviation continues to scrutinize and address the issue, it is hoped that measures will be implemented to ensure fair and reasonable pricing, especially during peak travel seasons like festivals, fostering a more consumer-friendly aviation environment.