Chennai, Apr 2:
Escalating tensions linked to the Gulf War have begun to significantly impact air travel, with airfares from Chennai witnessing a sharp surge, including an unusual rise even on short-distance intra-state routes.
The increase is largely attributed to rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and airspace disruptions in West Asia, forcing airlines to take longer routes and incur higher operational costs.
Industry experts note that fuel alone accounts for a substantial portion of airline expenses, and any global spike directly affects ticket pricing.
As a result, fares on international routes have shot up steeply, with some long-haul ticket prices increasing multiple times over their usual range. Airlines are also dealing with flight rerouting, cancellations, and extended travel durations, further pushing up costs and reducing seat availability.
What stands out in the current situation is the spillover effect on domestic travel, particularly within Tamil Nadu. Routes that typically remain stable have also seen fare hikes due to increased demand, operational adjustments, and pricing revisions by airlines.
This has made even short-distance air travel less affordable for regular passengers. Travel industry observers say that passengers are now either advancing bookings to avoid further hikes or shifting to rail and bus options, especially for intra-state journeys. The surge has particularly affected business travellers, students, and emergency passengers who rely on last-minute bookings.
With global geopolitical tensions continuing to influence fuel prices and airline operations, experts warn that airfares may remain volatile in the coming weeks, impacting both international and domestic travel from Chennai.