Festive Season Sees Airfares Soar from Vijayawada, New Flights Announced to Meet Demand

With the festive season approaching, airfares from Vijayawada to major domestic destinations have spiked significantly, reflecting the high demand as travelers return home for celebrations. Between October 11 and January 13, ticket prices on various routes have surged by 10 to 30 percent, or even more, as airlines capitalize on increased demand.

A closer look at airfare changes reveals substantial hikes across various routes. Flights from Vijayawada to Delhi show IndiGo holding steady at ₹7,078 per ticket, while Air India fares jumped from ₹7,120 to ₹10,485 on one flight and from ₹7,345 to ₹10,854 on another. On the Vijayawada to Mumbai route, IndiGo’s fare remains constant at ₹4,045, while Air India charges range between ₹4,300 and ₹5,145. Flights to Hyderabad also reflect significant increases, with Air India Express charging ₹2,500 on October 11, but soaring to ₹24,894 by January 13.

Air travelers express frustration with the sharp rise in fares during the festive period. Kumar Raja, President of the AP Air Travelers Association, highlighted the lack of competition in Andhra Pradesh’s airline sector as a factor contributing to high fares. “With IndiGo enjoying a near-monopoly in AP, there’s little incentive to offer competitive pricing,” Raja remarked. He emphasized the need for more players in the market to provide travelers with cost-effective options.

Despite the price hikes, Vijayawada Airport Director Lakshmi Kanth Reddy assured that operations are running smoothly, with scheduled flights handling passenger volume without significant delays or issues. “We have full occupancy on most flights, but we are managing well without inconvenience to passengers,” Reddy stated.

To cater to the growing demand, especially with the festival rush, new flights are being introduced. Starting October 27, a second daily flight will connect Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada, enhancing travel convenience for frequent commuters. Additional services from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad and Ahmedabad will commence on October 29, with ticket sales already open. This move is anticipated to relieve some pressure on existing routes, providing travelers with more options during the festive season.

With these expansions, Andhra Pradesh’s air travel infrastructure continues to evolve, promising travelers better connectivity and more choices during peak travel periods.