This festive season, the age-old belief that larger airports with an abundance of flight options and superior connectivity would offer more affordable airline tickets has been debunked, especially when it comes to Pune and Mumbai. Surprisingly, the fares from these two airports are comparable for several sought-after destinations.
On the eve of Diwali, one-way fares per person from Pune to Kolkata fluctuate between Rs 17,000 and Rs 19,000. Meanwhile, the Mumbai to Kolkata route ranges from Rs 15,000 to Rs 35,000. Even though Mumbai boasts 14 direct connections to Kolkata, Pune, with just three direct flights, stands shoulder to shoulder in terms of ticket prices.
Kirti Singh, a frequent flyer, expressed her frustration with the steep fares from Pune to Patna, a route with only two flights, costing between Rs 7,000 and Rs 9,000. Her usual preference is to opt for flights from Mumbai, where ticket prices are 15% to 20% lower than those from Pune. However, during the festive season, ticket prices from both cities are nearly identical, prompting her to consider alternative travel options, such as trains.
Nilesh Bhansali, Director of the Travel Agents Association of Pune (TAAP) and owner of Devem Tours and Travels, shed light on the lack of regulations for airfare capping during the festive season. Bhansali emphasized that, despite some flight cancellations, many travelers proceed with their plans despite the high prices. Airlines, he noted, take advantage of the heightened demand, regardless of whether the airport is in a metropolitan area or a smaller city.
Contributing to the conversation, another representative from a travel company stressed the increased importance of travel post-Covid. Despite the availability of numerous flight options, fares remain on the higher side as airlines capitalize on the evolving behavior of travelers.
