As the holiday weekend approaches, travelers flying from Hyderabad to key destinations in Andhra Pradesh are facing a severe price shock. Airfares to cities like Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada have witnessed an unprecedented surge, multiplying three to four times their usual cost for flights on Sunday and Monday.
Exorbitant Ticket Prices Disrupt Travel Plans
Passengers checking for last-minute flights have been met with staggering figures. The cost of a one-way ticket from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam for the immediate weekend is currently ranging between Rs 11,000 and Rs 13,000. This is a sharp jump from the standard fare, which typically remains under Rs 4,000 during non-peak travel periods. A similar trend of skyrocketing prices has been reported on the popular Hyderabad to Vijayawada route, leaving many potential flyers stranded.
Passenger Outcry Over Unaffordable Fares
The sudden and steep hike has sparked widespread dismay among the traveling public, many of whom had planned trips for the holidays. N Karthik Reddy, an IT professional based in Madhapur, Hyderabad, voiced the frustration felt by many. "I usually travel to Visakhapatnam for Rs 4,000. This time, when I checked, it showed Rs 13,000. It's completely unaffordable for such a short domestic flight," he stated. His sentiment echoes across social media and travel forums, where others have expressed shock and disappointment at having to cancel or reconsider their visits home or for leisure.
Understanding the Holiday Season Surge
While airlines routinely adjust prices based on demand, the magnitude of this increase for short-haul routes is notable. The combination of a holiday weekend, limited last-minute seat availability, and high passenger demand has created a perfect storm, leading to the inflated tariffs. Industry observers note that such spikes are common during peak travel seasons but advise passengers to book well in advance or be flexible with dates to avoid the highest fares.
The situation highlights the challenges of air travel affordability in India during peak demand periods, forcing many to either pay a premium or seek alternative modes of transport like trains or buses for their journeys within Andhra Pradesh.
