airfare

India Observes Day of Mourning, Supreme Court to Hear Pleas on Temple Donation Fraud and Airfare

India mourns the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, with the national flag flying at half-mast. The Supreme Court will hear pleas regarding alleged donation fraud at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and unpredictable airfare fluctuations. The remains of 15 Indian tourists who died in Vietnam are expected to arrive tonight.

Global Travel Industry Faces Headwinds Amid Escalating US-Iran Tensions

The global travel industry is experiencing disruptions due to escalating US-Iran tensions, leading to soaring fuel costs and increased airfares. This is impacting both US and European airlines, with some carriers ceasing operations and others scaling back routes.

Commercial LPG, ATF Prices Slashed; Petrol, Diesel Prices Also Reduced by Nayara Energy

State-run oil companies cut commercial LPG by Rs 183.5 and ATF by Rs 5/litre. Nayara Energy reduced petrol by Rs 5 and diesel by Rs 3/litre. Domestic LPG, CNG, and state-run petrol/diesel prices remain unchanged.

20-inch "carry-on" exceeds limits at the airport, some passengers pay more for baggage than airfare

Consumers report being charged unexpectedly high fees for 20-inch carry-on bags on low-cost flights, with some fees exceeding ticket prices. Experts suggest airlines need clearer baggage size and limit disclosures to avoid consumer dissatisfaction.

Hong Kong Families Seek Asian Summer Schools Amid Soaring Airfares to UK, North America

Hong Kong families are opting for Asian summer schools over UK and North American programs due to a 35% drop in applications for British schools. Soaring airfares, with round-trip economy flights to London up 39% to HK$8,500 in August, are driving this shift. The cost of a two-week UK residential camp has also increased.

Airlines Likely to Keep Ticket Price Hikes Despite Falling Fuel Costs

Despite falling jet fuel prices to their lowest in over three months, airlines are unlikely to lower ticket prices or fees. Experts cite rising labor and operational costs, and the willingness of travelers to pay higher fares, suggesting price increases will persist.

Micro-staycations: The New Trend of Shorter, Closer Holidays

A new trend called 'micro-staycations' is emerging, where people opt for shorter holidays (four nights max) closer to home, often within 100 miles. This is driven by cost of living concerns and global uncertainty. The UK's Camping and Caravanning Club reported a 6% increase in members traveling 51-100 miles and a 7% drop in average travel distance.

Graduation Travel Sees First Peak: Many Scenic Spots Offer Free Entry for Mid/High School Exam Candidates, Airfare and Hotels Half Price Compared to Summer

As high school exams conclude, graduation travel surges. Over 100 scenic spots offer free entry to exam candidates, with airfare and hotel prices significantly lower than peak summer. Popular destinations include Anyang, Wuhan, and Jiuhua Mountain.

Vietnamese tourists flock to Thailand amid geopolitical shifts and rising airfares

Vietnamese tourists are increasingly choosing Thailand for summer travel due to geopolitical instability elsewhere and rising flight costs. Many opt for all-inclusive tours, seeking convenience and value. Thailand remains a top destination for its accessibility, diverse offerings, and reasonable prices.

Not 'actually tracking' anyone: Rs 7,000 GPS watches for Haj pilgrims stops working

Indian Haj pilgrims are questioning a mandatory Rs 7,000 GPS smartwatch, part of a Rs 10,000 airfare hike. Many devices, procured by the Haj Committee and supplied by Sekyo Innovations, reportedly fail to turn on or track pilgrims, causing distress, especially for the elderly. This initiative, aimed at safety, faces criticism over cost and execution.

Congress Demands Withdrawal of Rs 10,000 Haj Airfare Hike, Accuses Modi Government of Making Pilgrimage Unaffordable

The Congress party has demanded the immediate withdrawal of a Rs 10,000 increase in Haj airfare per pilgrim, alleging the Modi government has made the pilgrimage unaffordable for average Indian families. The Haj Committee of India cited rising global Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices due to the Middle East crisis as the reason for the one-time revision. Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain accused the government of institutional failure, stating pilgrims had already paid in full and are now facing additional charges without prior notice or consultation.

Airfare Prices Climb 8% to 42% Amid Iran War as Experts Urge Travelers to Book Now

Airfare has risen 8% domestically and 42% internationally since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, driven by an 82% surge in jet fuel prices. Travel experts advise booking now rather than waiting, as the conflict threatens oil infrastructure and prices could remain high through summer.

Haj 2026 Airfare Hiked by Rs 10,000 Per Pilgrim Amid ATF Price Surge

The Haj Committee of India has raised the Haj 2026 airfare by Rs 10,000 per pilgrim due to a sharp global rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel prices linked to the Middle East crisis. After hard negotiations, the increase was limited to USD 100 per pilgrim, saving pilgrims from a potential USD 300-400 hike. Pilgrims must deposit the additional amount by May 15. Opposition leaders have criticized the surcharge as unjust.

'Why no affidavit?' SC raps Centre over airfare fluctuations, demands reply by May 8

Jet Fuel Price Surge Tests Airline Profitability as Travelers Keep Flying

Jet fuel prices have surged following attacks on Iran that closed the Strait of Hormuz two months ago, adding over $6 billion to U.S. airline costs. Despite higher fares—domestic economy tickets up 21% to $570 and premium seats up 17% to $1,444—travelers continue booking trips with March ticket sales rising 12% to $10.4 billion. Carriers are trimming capacity to boost fares and expect customers to cover increased costs by year-end or early 2027, though budget airlines are seeking $2.5 billion in federal relief.

SIR-Spooked Bengal Voters Rush Home As Airfares Soar 2-3x Ahead of Polls

Voters in West Bengal are rushing home ahead of Wednesday's second phase of polling, causing airfares to surge 2-3 times normal rates. Flight tickets from Delhi to Kolkata now cost Rs 13,000-20,000 (normally Rs 6,000-7,500), while Mumbai-Kolkata routes have climbed to Rs 14,000-22,000. Train fares have also spiked with AC 3-tier tickets from Delhi reaching Rs 1,700-3,200. Voters cite fear of their names disappearing from electoral rolls as the driving factor, with many making expensive one-day return trips just to vote.

Middle East Conflict Drives 24% Surge in Airfares as Jet Fuel Prices Skyrocket

The Middle East conflict has triggered a 24% surge in economy airfares, with jet fuel prices jumping from $85-$90 to $150-$200 per barrel. Airlines forced to reroute due to airspace restrictions are using more fuel, while Gulf carriers have lost significant long-haul capacity. Routes between Europe and East Asia are most affected, with London-Melbourne fares up 76% and Hong Kong-London up 72%. Meanwhile, VP JD Vance will travel to Pakistan for peace talks as Trump's ceasefire deadline approaches Wednesday.

Airline CEOs urged by lawmaker to lower fares if fuel prices come down

Airlines have raised airfare, fuel surcharges and baggage fees this year to help cover a surge in fuel costs since the Iran war started on Feb. 28.