Airfares to India up by 20%

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Airfares to Indian destinations have been increased by over 20 per cent from this month.

The cheapest airfare, which was at Rs. 13,200 to Chennai has now been increased to Rs. 16,100.An official from the airline said that this is due to the high demand expected for the season, especially from Sri Lankans.

"Due to the long weekend and the up coming school holiday season many Sri Lankans prefer to travel to India for a holiday", he said.

Another airline source said that this increase would be enforced only during April and its demand driven.

SriLankan Airlines, Indian Airlines, Air India Express, Jetlite (Air Sahara),

Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate daily frequencies to Chennai.However, Sri Lanka's budget airline Mihin Lanka has not changed their fares.

"We fly to Trichi four times a week and is currently offering the lowest fare to India," an official said.

He also said that they would resume the Bodhgaya operations from August when the season starts.