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Low-cost airlines GoAir and IndiGo joined the discount bandwagon on Thursday, offering as much as 30-40 per cent discounts for tickets booked 90 day in advance. State-run Air India, too, is offering the same.
International travel, however, is set to be expensive, with Emirates announcing a summer peak surcharge of Rs 1,500-3,000 for weekend trips and revision in fares and fuel surcharge. Emirates has not disclosed the amount of fare raise, which comes into effect from April 10.
“India being a price-elastic market for air passengers, these discounts are being used by airlines to create a market for themselves and to attract more travellers. The advance discount fares continue to stimulate the market and offer lucrative opportunities for those willing to book early. We have noticed our sales jump by five times since Spice announced its sale scheme and expect the momentum to continue with the drop in fares by Indigo,’’ said Yatra.com President Sharat Dhall.
