CJP protest: Airfares soar as train services hit; slight rise in last-minute bookings

Delhi saw a slight uptick in last-minute flight bookings over the weekend following the CJP protest, which led to the cancellation of several trains. Airfares on some routes also increased. Industry insiders believe this trend could escalate if the protest and movement restrictions persist into the festive season, which starts on Monday with Navratri.

However, it's too soon to predict the extent of the impact on train and bus passengers. A leading online travel agency official noted that there was no significant surge in spot fares from areas like Lucknow, Prayagraj, and UP as of Friday night, aside from a 15% increase in fares on the Varanasi-Delhi route for Saturday. Presently, there is no substantial surge in flight demand.

The primary concern for airlines and Delhi airport is ensuring passengers, crew members, and staff can reach Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) on time due to potential extensive metro service disruption and traffic issues. If the protest extends, airlines could see further fare increases as operating costs rise due to higher jet fuel prices and a weakening rupee.

Fares from Amritsar skyrocketed on Friday, with some flights reaching Rs 8,000, compared to the usual Rs 4,000 one-way fare. Flights from Ludhiana saw fluctuations, reaching up to Rs 12,987 before dropping to Rs 4,301 by Saturday evening. Travel agents in Amritsar warn that passengers with onward travel plans, particularly for international flights, have limited options and may have to pay premium prices to avoid cancellations or missing connections.