Passengers worldwide are finally getting relief from the soaring airfares that followed the pandemic.
According to new data shows an average price drop of almost 13 per cent compared to last year, with prices decreasing across several popular destinations.
Image of a Flight Centre in Australia. Credit: JAMES WORSFOLD/AAPIMAGE
"We are noticing a drop in airfares on the India-Australia route ranging from 13 per cent to 17 per cent," Kotak said, adding that overall the cost of international travel from Australia has decreased compared to the last couple of years.
Kotak noted that airfares for the popular routes between Sydney and Melbourne to Mumbai and Delhi, which were previously between $1600 and $1800, have dropped to $1200 to $1400 this peak season.
"Currently, some of the major airlines to India are offering air tickets around $1,000 as part of their international sale," he added.
Flight Centre Australia data Credit: Supplied by Flight Centre Australia
"For example, airlines like Qantas, Air India, and Singapore Airlines have added more flights between the two countries, increasing seat availability and fostering greater competition," he said.
Flights are running between India and Australia
Prominent carriers such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Malaysia Airlines currently offer indirect flights to India, while Air India and Qantas are the only airlines providing direct flights between India and Australia.
Major Indian cities—Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai—are approximately a 12-hour flight from Australia's east coast cities.
"This year, Qantas increased its return flights between Sydney and Bangalore to five per week, up from 3-4 flights per week the previous year," the spokesperson said.
Currently, Qantas operates direct flights between Sydney and Bangalore, as well as Melbourne and Delhi.
Meanwhile, Indian carrier Air India operates 36 non-stop flights per week between the two countries.
Air India planes Credit: Kevin Frayer/AP/AAP
Air India's Mumbai-Melbourne service, which began in December 2023, is the first-ever non-stop flight between these two cities and remains the only current non-stop option between Mumbai and Australia.
Tips to book cheaper flights
Kotak mentioned that while there are various methods to find cheaper flights, the most effective advice is to book and plan well in advance.
"Many travel agencies also provide the option to book travel and pay later with interest-free arrangements. This can be a form of saving, as it allows you to avoid paying the full amount upfront and you can save on your offset accounts," he said.
Passengers are seen viewing the international departures schedule in the International Departures terminal at Melbourne Airport. (Representative image) Credit: AAPIMAGE
“Travellers can break their trip and travel via budget airlines like Scoot and Air Asia. These don’t include meals, entertainment, or luggage in their fares, which can further reduce your travel costs,” he said.
(DISCLAIMER: We would like to inform you that the information expressed in this interview is of a general nature. This information may not be appropriate for your personal circumstances - contact a travel agent for clear advice on your travel plans.)
