Pune: The Diwali season has brought a sharp increase in air ticket prices, with rates soaring by approximately 30% compared to regular prices.
Passengers flying from Pune are feeling the impact, as routes to cities like Kolkata and Bangalore have become particularly expensive, surpassing even the prices of tickets to Delhi.
According to the latest information, a one-way ticket from Pune to Delhi is now priced around ₹10,000. Meanwhile, one-way fares to Bangalore and Kolkata are significantly higher, ranging between ₹12,000 and ₹14,000.
In response to the price surge, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has been urged to implement a ticket price cap.
Such measures would prevent airlines from artificially inflating prices, a tactic observed during the COVID-19 pandemic when the central government had to intervene with similar capping measures.
Pune has become a major hub for flights, particularly for Delhi-bound services, with around 30 flights operating to the capital daily. Similarly, Bangalore sees 14 to 15 flights departing from Pune each day.
The increased number of routes and flights, compared to the previous year, has been met with a surge in passenger numbers, which in turn has driven up ticket prices.
Nilesh Bhansali, Director of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, expressed concern over the situation, labeling the price increase as artificial. He highlighted that middle-class families are being discouraged from traveling by air due to the high costs.
"The government should implement capping measures during festival seasons to prevent passengers from being exploited," he stated.
Current Ticket Prices: A Comparison
Pune to Delhi:
Regular price ranges from ₹8,000 to ₹9,000
Diwali price is ₹20,000
Pune to Bangalore:
Regular price ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹8,000
Diwali price at ₹14,000
Pune to Kolkata:
Regular price varies from ₹6,000 to ₹12,000
Diwali price is ₹12,000.
Pune to Hyderabad:
Regular price is between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000
Diwali price remains at ₹8,000.
Pune to Jaipur: Regular price ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹4,000
Diwali price reaching ₹20,000.