Domestic travellers in southern India are facing sticker shock as airfares on sectors such as Kochi–Bengaluru and Kochi–Hyderabad have doubled or even quadrupled amid an indefinite strike by inter-state private bus operators and the early Christmas travel surge. A 21 November report by The New Indian Express cites fares of ₹8,700–₹29,400 one-way—well above the usual ₹2,300–₹7,000 range.
Bus companies are protesting what they call punitive quarterly taxes of up to ₹12 lakh per service levied by Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With many operators idled, passengers have shifted to rail and air, creating sudden demand spikes that dynamic airline pricing algorithms have seized upon.
![Kerala Bus Strike and Festive Rush Push Domestic Airfares to Record Highs]()
Corporate mobility teams should advise employees travelling during the last two weeks of December to book immediately, consider alternate airports (e.g., Coimbatore for Bengaluru traffic) or use rail where feasible. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to add capacity and publish any festive-season surcharges in advance, but carriers are not legally bound to cap fares.
Looking ahead, the strike highlights India’s vulnerability when one transport mode fails. Companies with manufacturing plants in Kerala might review contingency plans for moving critical staff and cargo, including chartered buses or dedicated rail berths secured through IRCTC’s corporate schemes.
Bus companies are protesting what they call punitive quarterly taxes of up to ₹12 lakh per service levied by Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. With many operators idled, passengers have shifted to rail and air, creating sudden demand spikes that dynamic airline pricing algorithms have seized upon.
Corporate mobility teams should advise employees travelling during the last two weeks of December to book immediately, consider alternate airports (e.g., Coimbatore for Bengaluru traffic) or use rail where feasible. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to add capacity and publish any festive-season surcharges in advance, but carriers are not legally bound to cap fares.
Looking ahead, the strike highlights India’s vulnerability when one transport mode fails. Companies with manufacturing plants in Kerala might review contingency plans for moving critical staff and cargo, including chartered buses or dedicated rail berths secured through IRCTC’s corporate schemes.
