The aviation crisis gripping India stretched into its fourth day on Saturday, severely impacting operations at Nagpur's Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Passengers faced significant disruptions as a dozen departures and an almost equal number of arrivals operated by IndiGo Airlines were abruptly cancelled.
Widespread Travel Disruption Across Major Cities
The mass cancellations severely affected connectivity from Nagpur to key metropolitan hubs across the country. Travelers found their plans to cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, and Bengaluru thrown into disarray. The scene at the airport was one of frustration and confusion, mirroring the challenges of the preceding days.
Long queues formed at airline ticket counters as anxious passengers sought information and alternatives. Airport and airline staff were under immense pressure, struggling to manage the crowds and provide convincing explanations to distressed flyers.
Sky-High Fears and Soaring Fares
The ripple effect of the cancellations was acutely felt in the pricing of tickets on other airlines. With demand suddenly spiking and seats becoming scarce, economy class fares for routes to Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru reached staggering levels of around Rs 22,000. To make matters worse, available seats on these sectors were only to be found for travel in the following week.
A minor respite was noted in business class fares for Mumbai and Delhi routes. According to staff at the inquiry counters of other airlines, the price for a business class ticket, which was approximately Rs 50,000 just a day earlier, saw a marginal drop to about Rs 46,000.
Railway Counter Remains Closed, Adding to Woes
For passengers looking for more affordable alternatives, the situation was equally bleak. When visited by journalists in the afternoon, the railway ticket booking counter located at the airport was found to be closed. This shutdown eliminated a potential fallback option for stranded travelers, leaving them with few choices amidst the ongoing air travel chaos.
The continued flight cancellations and exorbitant airfares highlight the deepening impact of the aviation crisis, with Nagpur emerging as a major hotspot for passenger distress. The immediate resolution of these operational issues remains a critical concern for thousands of travelers.
