Air Fares Surge Ahead of Independence Day

As India celebrates Independence Day, a surge in travel has been observed, particularly for the extended holiday weekend, leading to a significant increase in bookings for both domestic and international destinations. Popular domestic locations such as Puducherry, Udaipur, and Munnar have recorded staggering booking increases, while international routes to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok have also seen a notable rise. In Chennai, airlines have raised ticket prices dramatically, with fares to destinations like Madurai and Tuticorin tripling due to high demand, as overcrowding on trains and buses pushes travelers towards air travel. Complaints from passengers highlight frustrations with increased fares and rigorous airport security checks. Despite the price hikes, airlines are adding flights to meet the expected demand. The Tamil Nadu government has also initiated special bus services to alleviate pressure on transportation systems.