As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to loom, domestic airfares on several routes from Calcutta have dropped by more than 50 per cent, according to travel industry sources. The decline in demand comes amid airport closures, cancelled flights, and general apprehension among passengers, especially after a brief lull in tensions following a ceasefire announcement on Saturday evening.
Travel agents report that hopes of a rebound in air travel were dashed quickly as fears of renewed conflict caused many travellers to cancel or postpone their trips, especially to cities in northern and western India.
On Saturday, one-way fares to Delhi from Calcutta for travel on Monday hovered around INR 5,500—down from the usual INR 10,000. Flights to Mumbai were priced at about INR 6,000, a steep drop from the typical INR 12,500 fare. The fare for Hyderabad was around INR 7,000, also lower than the regular INR 9,000.
Calcutta airport officials reported a noticeable dip in footfall. On May 9, around 26,600 passengers arrived, and 25,000 departed—a drop from the average 30,000+ daily footfall in each direction seen recently. Meanwhile, flights to destinations like Srinagar, Chandigarh, and Amritsar remained suspended due to ongoing airport closures.
IndiGo acknowledged the ongoing challenges, noting that several Calcutta-Delhi flights had barely 50 per cent occupancy in recent days. In a statement, the airline announced waivers on change and cancellation fees for affected bookings and offered alternate airport options at no extra cost.
Security at airports nationwide has been ramped up significantly. As the situation evolves, airlines and passengers alike are navigating a highly fluid travel environment. Travellers are advised to check flight status and arrive early to account for enhanced security screening.
(With inputs from multiple sources)
