Chandigarh: Airfares from Canada to India have reportedly risen sharply for travel between mid-December and early February, with increased demand linked by some ticketing agents to the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.
According to travel agents cited in reports, fares on several routes have climbed as members of the Punjabi diaspora are expected to travel to India during the election period. However, the price surge may also reflect seasonal demand, airline fuel surcharges and ticket availability.
A ticket from Canada to Delhi that cost around $1,700-$1,800 until the first week of December has reportedly risen to as much as $3,000 for travel dates from mid-December through late January. Fares are said to ease towards the beginning of February.
Travel agents have also been blamed for contributing to the increase. According to the report, some agents purchased tickets in bulk at lower prices for peak travel dates and are now reselling them at prevailing fares after making passenger-detail changes permitted by airlines.
