Indian carrier Jet Airways, on February 19, 2013, announced its biggest air ticket sale, comprising of 20 lakh seats which will be going for Rs. 2250. These seats will be available for travel up to anytime till December 31, 2013. These tickets can be booked before February 24, 2013. Shortly after the announcement by Jet, rivals too responded and announced their own schemes.
Low-budget airlines, including GoAir, SpiceJet and Indigo have also announced similar low-fare tickets on selected routes. According to travel experts, this has now turned into a full blown war of fares, which could last until at least February 24, 2013, as long as the Jet offer lasts. This is a good way to stimulate the market and encourage people to fly.
Air India is the only carrier which has kept itself aloof from the other offers. SpiceJet, on January 11, 2013, announced that around 10 lakh seats will be available on an offer for Rs. 2,013, for travel between February 2013 and April 2013. These tickets could be booked over three days. Such offers had raised concerns at the DGCA’s (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) office that the practice will be harmful for the financials of the airlines and they governing body consequently requested others not to join in.
The travel fraternity had predicted that the year 2013 will be all about exciting offers, which would stimulate the market.
