Delhi to Kannur flight for Rs 22,000 sparks outrage: "cheaper to fly to Dubai"
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A recent social media post by Dr. Shama Mohamed, a dentist and Congress party member, has fueled a heated discussion on the soaring cost of domestic air travel in India.
Sharing a screenshot of airfare for a direct Indigo flight from Delhi to Kannur on December 22, Dr. Mohamed pointed out that the ticket prices ranged between Rs 21,966 and Rs 22,701. Highlighting the irony, she remarked that flying internationally to Dubai would cost less than this domestic journey.
"Ticket pricing of @indigo from Delhi to Kannur on the 21st. The direct flight costs Rs 22,000! It is cheaper to go to Dubai! This is what monopoly does," she wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Dr. Mohamed’s post struck a chord with many users who echoed her frustration over the unaffordability of domestic air travel. One user lamented, "Despite Kannur airport being just 10-12 km from my home, I haven’t been able to afford it for three years. What was once an affordable option is now out of reach. Monopoly!"
Others attributed the high prices to the timing of the trip around the Christmas holiday season, a peak travel period.
Some users pointed to privatization as a reason for escalating airfares. A commenter said, "When Air India was government-owned, rates were lower, and luggage allowances were higher. Privatization is making air travel unaffordable for the middle class."
Others defended the pricing, citing market dynamics. One user explained, "Late bookings during peak travel seasons always attract premium pricing. This isn’t unique to India; ticket prices globally operate on demand and supply."