Nagpur: The strike by Air India pilots since Wednesday has not only reduced the number of flights to Delhi and Mumbai, but also led to hike in spot fares, especially on the Nagpur-Delhi route. In spite of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) directives, private airlines are charging passengers far beyond the usual fares, airport sources informed.
Air fares on the Delhi route rose above Rs 8,000 and even up to Rs 10,000 over the last two days. The normal fare on this route ranges from Rs 2,900 to 3,200. On Mumbai sector, air fares have not been affected in any way, sources said.
Four airlines, Air India (9.20am), JetLite (8.05am) and Go Air (8.40pm) and Indigo (7.30am, 6.10pm) operate flights to New Delhi from Nagpur airport. JetLite has suspended its Delhi operations till May 12 for operational reasons.
Sources said that the Air India strike and suspension of JetLite flights has turned out to be a bonanza for other private airlines. Both, GoAir and Indigo flights are operating with a full load factor over the next two days.
Indigo officials said the Saturday and Sunday morning flights to Delhi are completely booked. Tickets are available for the Sunday evening flight, but in the range of Rs 8,500 and above. For Go Air evening flight on Saturday, tickets are available in the range of Rs 7,000.
30/04/11 Sachin Dravekar/Times of India
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