Extended Dol-Holi weekend airfares yet to reach the sky
Times of India | 12 March 2025
123 Kolkata: For travellers planning vacations on short notice this weekend and in the coming weeks, this might be the best time to book flight tickets. Airfares to key domestic destinations have seen a significant drop following the end of the busy winter travel season. Despite an extended weekend for Dol and Holi, airfares are hovering between low and moderate, making it an ideal time for families to plan short trips after the completion of school exams.
Flight ticket prices across major routes from Kolkata have cooled down considerably compared to the high rates seen in recent months. The peak travel period, which spanned over two months during the winter season, saw airfares soaring due to high demand. However, with schools reopening and holiday travel tapering off, airfares now dropped by 20% to 40% on many routes. Even as the exams are over and some families are planning holidays, the airfares are yet to reach the sky. On some routes, courtesy of special Holi offers by airlines, they are at an all-time low.
"My son's exam got over, so we planned a holiday during this time, before his results are announced in two weeks and a new session starts. We were initially looking for destinations within driving distance, but the airfares are so low now that we are considering visiting my brother's family in Mumbai and heading out for a short weekend trip to Lonavala," said Nabaneeta Dutta, a resident of Dhakuria.
The most dramatic price cuts are being observed in fares to popular destinations. Flights to Goa, Port Blair, Srinagar, Jaipur, and Kochi are being sold at below-average price of Rs 7,000; Rs 8,400; Rs 12,000; and Rs 8,800 respectively. One-way fares to Bagdogra this weekend are hovering between Rs 5,000-Rs 5,300. Experts believe that this could continue, particularly with airlines offering special offers during this festive season. "It's a great time for holidayers as tickets are being sold at an all-time low," said Anil Punjabi, national committee member (East), Travel Agents Federation of India.
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