MUMBAI: Unlike previous years, when airfares for travel during the Diwali weekend shot up months in advance, this year one can book domestic flight tickets closer to the date of travel without having to contend with airfares that have skyrocketed like fireworks. With airfares capped and the pandemic-influenced trend of booking closer to the date of travel continuing to stay strong, Diwali travel bookings this year are expected to peak only as the festival draws close.
“This year, due to the pandemic, customers have preferred to book closer to the date of travel. For example, 67% of bookings done in October have been for travel within the next two weeks. Booking volumes are around 24% of last year for forward bookings that happen 3-4 weeks before Diwali. We anticipate volumes to pick up as we approach Diwali and expect volumes to be about 40% to 50% of last year’s volumes,” said Aditya Agarwal of Cleartrip. He added that “pricing might increase to some extent, but on average should be lower than last year.”
Aloke Bajpai of ixigo said, “Confidence in air travel is rising. In the last three weeks, we have seen a 40% increase in advance bookings for festive travel. Average round trip fares are considerably lower this year compared to last year, when domestic airfares spiked up by 20-25% close to Diwali.” A spokesperson for yatra.com said, “We have witnessed a spike of 40% in booking enquires. With October starts the festive season in India, where people opt for various leisure destinations to spend time with their friends and family.”
