Why Are Flights So Expensive For 2022 in India?

If you are planning to travel to India in 2022, you might have noticed the skyrocketing prices of flights. Several reasons can cause this surge in prices, including airline policies, government taxes, and high demands during peak seasons. In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons why flights are so expensive for 2022 in India.

Reason 1: Pandemic-Related Restrictions

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously affected the airline industry worldwide. To prevent the spread of the virus, most countries, including India, had to impose travel restrictions, such as mandatory quarantine and COVID-19 testing. These restrictions have led to lowered demand for air travel, which ultimately led to reduced flights’ supply. The reduced supply and high demand for air travel due to the lifting of restrictions make airfare expensive.

Reason 2: Fuel Prices

Fuel prices account for a significant portion of airlines’ operating costs, and these costs are passed down to customers. In India, crude oil prices significantly affect fuel prices. The increase in crude oil prices leads to increased fuel costs, which ultimately leads to increased flight charges.

Reason 3: Increased Operational Costs

Several factors cause increased operational costs for airlines, such as increased airport charges, ground handling costs, and maintenance costs. These costs significantly affect the airline’s profit margins, hence the increase in flight charges.

Reason 4: Seasonal Demands

Indian Tourism experiences peak seasons, such as the summer between April and June when tourists flock to the country for holidays. Indians living abroad also flood the country during the festival seasons, which usually occur between October to March. During these peak seasons, airlines take advantage of the demand surge to hike prices, making air travel very expensive.

Reason 5: Government Taxes

The Indian Government imposes taxes on specific aviation services such as airport development fees, fuel surcharge, and passenger service fees. These taxes significantly add to the operational costs of airlines, which are passed down to customers.

How to Save Money on Flights to India in 2022

Despite the surge in airfares, you can still save money when planning to travel to India in 2022. Here are a few tips to help you get the best deals on flights:

1. Book Flights in Advance

Booking flights early can help you save a few bucks on airfare. You can start researching flights and airline policies as early as six months in advance. Keep tabs on the airline’s social media pages, email lists, and official websites to get the best deals on flights.

2. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates

Being open to change your travel dates by a few days can help you save a considerable amount of airfare. Try re-scheduling your flight to leave on weekdays instead of weekends, which are usually more expensive. You can also try planning your trip during off-peak seasons when demand is lower, and flight charges are affordable.

3. Join Travel Reward Programs

Several airlines offer reward programs such as frequent flyers, where customers get points for every flight they book. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future flights, which can help you save on your next India trip.

4. Compare Prices

Several online travel agencies compare prices for flights from different airlines to help you choose the best deal. Try using these travel agencies to look for the most affordable flights for your trip.

Conclusion

The reasons behind the surge in flight prices to India in 2022 are many, including pandemic-related restrictions, fuel prices, increased operational costs, seasonal demands, and government taxes. Despite the soaring prices, there are ways to save on your airfare, such as booking your flight in advance, being flexible with your travel dates, joining travel reward programs, and comparing prices. With proper planning and research, you can get the best deals on flights to India and enjoy your visit without breaking the bank.