Contrary to expectations, airline fares from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad have been increased by more than four times despite availability of a good number of flights. Ironically, domestic fares from Visakhapatnam to Bengaluru and a few other destinations are skyrocketing even as international air fares showed a downward trend due to competition in the skies.
The one-way airfare from Visakhapatnam to Colombo, Singapore and Thailand are around ₹ 7,000 but the fare from Vizag to Hyderabad range between ₹10,000 and ₹16,000 and Vizag – Delhi fares range between ₹10,000 and ₹ 24,000.
The fares on all other major routes have doubled or tripled, chairman of the Tours and Travels Association of Andhra (TTAA) O. Naresh Kumar said.
“The airline operators have created an artificial demand by withdrawing flights on some key routes in spite of having full demand,” Mr. Naresh Kumar alleged.
“The failure of the railways to run special trains from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad and Bengaluru to meet the holiday rush in view of four consecutive holidays for government employees has also contributed to a sudden increase in the demand,” says a rail user.
Meanwhile, social media users have tweeted to Union Minister of Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju seeking the operation of an additional flight from Visakhapatnam to Hyderabad in view of the huge demand.
A reserved coach on 22708 Tirupathi – Visakhapatnam Double Decker was cancelled due to malfunctioning of the AC, forcing passengers allotted berths in that coach to shift to another coach.
The passengers, who had booked their tickets well in advance, were informed on the day of the journey (August 9) that the coach could not be attached and they were asked to adjust in another coach.
“Women passengers and senior citizens had a tough time in reaching the changed coach,” says Chinta Geeta Lakshmi, who travelled by that train.
B. Madhu Gopal
