UK airfares will pinch until 30-flight cap is lifted

UK airfares will pinch until 30-flight cap is lifted

Saurabh Sinha TNN

New Delhi: 09.08.2021 

There is no fare relief in sight for those planning to travel from India to the UK this month.

Following an outcry over steep fares on this route as the UK reopens for Indian citizens, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation on Sunday sought India-UK August ticket prices from airlines. The data submitted shows minimum one-way economy class fares on Delhi-London nonstops during August is currently ranging from Rs1,03,191 to Rs1,47,544 on different days for flights operated by the four airlines that operate between the two countries — Air India, Vistara, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Industry insiders say steep airfares will remain until the currently-allowed weekly cap of 30 direct flights between the two nations is phased away, as there’s no authority to ask airlines to lower fares. “International fares are neither regulated nor monitored as they’re dependent on demand and supply,” said an official.

“Seats on economy class have been sold on fares mostly ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 45,000. As most of the regular flights (from Delhi/Mumbai/ Bengaluru) to the UK are booked near capacity, only upper bucket economy and business class seats are available now. Hence the fares dynamics are on higher side,”Air India tweeted.

An official of a mega foreign (non-UK) carrier said, “Every airline’s flights are full for August.” Obviously, the fares are high. Thousands of people, especially students, are affected because of continued suspension of scheduled international flights.” Travel industry says high fares are likely to be witnessed whenever a big destination for Indians/persons of Indian origin opens up. The reason: stranded people already holding tickets will reschedule for flights immediately post-reopening. And only higher fare bracket tickets will be available for those making new bookings in the first few days. Places where flights are limited for any reason, like 30 weekly in the case of the UK, the issue will get magnified.