CHENNAI: The flight fare from Chennai to domestic destinations have skyrocketed ahead of the Good Friday and Easter long weekend, as a surge in travel demand has driven ticket prices to unprecedented levels, leaving passengers suffering.
With a three-day consecutive holiday from Friday, a large number of residents from Chennai and its suburbs have begun booking flights to visit their hometowns or travel to tourist destinations. The sharp rise in demand has led to an increase in ticket prices on several routes.
Airfares from Chennai to key destinations have doubled compared to regular rates. Tickets to Thoothukudi, which usually cost around Rs 6,503, have surged to Rs 17,021, while fares to Madurai have risen from Rs 5,467 to Rs 13,147. Similarly, flights to Coimbatore now cost Rs 16,496 compared to the usual Rs 4,966.
On other routes, fares have also seen dramatic hikes. Tickets to Kochi have increased from Rs 4,840 to Rs 18,071, while Chennai-Bengaluru fares have jumped from Rs 3,071 to Rs 16,496. Flight fare to Hyderabad has also increased to Rs 19,453 from Rs 4,779.
Even routes like Tiruchy and Salem have recorded noticeable increases.
With domestic fares now nearing international ticket prices, passengers have expressed shock and frustration over the sudden spike. Many travellers said the cost has become a major burden, especially during peak holiday periods.
The steep hike has disrupted travel plans for many, particularly middle-class families hoping to make use of the long weekend for vacations or visits to their native places.