Nagpur: The aviation industry, which witnessed phenomenal growth last year, seems to be facing a steep downturn due to rising airfares and other concerning issues, such as last-minute flight cancellations. Despite an increase in flights, airlines have struggled to attract passengers in 2024 so far in Nagpur. While the movement of planes has increased during the same period this year compared to January-August of last year, there has been a decline in the number of passengers.
In January 2023, the number of passengers was 244,234, whereas, during the same period this year, it dropped to 227,122. Similarly, in February 2023, the number rose to 254,167, but in February 2024, it decreased by 16.5% to 212,161. In March 2024, the number of passengers fell by 13% compared to March 2023, with the current figure at 230,074, down from 265,005 in the previous year.
Wenesday Rate
Saturday 28 Dec. 2024
In April 2024, 213,292 passengers travelled, compared to 269,655 passengers during the same period last year, representing a decline of 20.9%. Likewise, in May 2024, there was a 7.4% decrease compared to the same period last year. From June to July, a 7.9% drop in passenger numbers was observed in August. In August 2024, 231,032 passengers travelled, which is lower than the figures from January to August of the previous year.
Rising fares causing distress
During festival times, the unreasonable increase in fares, flight delays, and last-minute cancellations have caused significant distress for many passengers. Numerous travellers lamented that due to flight delays, they often waste several hours for a journey that should only take 1 to 1.5 hours. Additionally, passengers have faced issues with airlines cancelling flights at the last minute due to a lack of available travellers.
In 2024, air travel during the holiday season has not matched the previous year’s performance. While over 1.986 million passengers travelled from January to August 2023, this year, the number was just over 1.796 million, indicating a decline of approximately 183,000 passengers compared to the previous year. Although there has been a decrease in passenger numbers over the past seven months, the movement of planes has increased. This is partly because airlines have increased the number of flights between Delhi, Mumbai, and Pune in anticipation of Dussehra and Diwali. Companies hope for an increase in passenger numbers during the festivals, but the decline compared to last year raises concerns.
On one hand, the Supreme Court’s decision has cleared the way for the redevelopment of Nagpur Airport, while the declining number of passengers remains a significant issue. In 2023, from January to August, there were 14,568 plane movements, which has increased to 15,183 during the same period this year, representing an increase of 595 flights. In January 2024, there were 1,006 flights, compared to 1,830 in the same period last year, while February saw a similar number of flights as last year.
Attracting passengers back to the aviation industry requires a multi-faceted approach. Here are several strategies airlines and the industry can implement to entice travellers:
1. Competitive pricing and promotions
• Dynamic pricing: Implement dynamic pricing strategies that offer competitive fares, especially during off-peak times.
• Promotional offers: Introduce discounts, flash sales, and special offers to attract budget-conscious travellers.
• Loyalty programs: Enhance loyalty programs to reward frequent flyers with points, upgrades, and other incentives.
2. Improved customer experience
• Streamlined Booking Process: Make the booking process user-friendly with clear navigation, multiple payment options, and instant confirmation.
• Customer Support: Offer robust customer support through various channels (chat, phone, email) to assist with inquiries and complaints.
• Enhanced In-Flight Experience: Provide comfortable seating, quality meals, and in-flight entertainment options to enhance the overall travel experience.
3. Reliability and transparency
• On-Time Performance: Focus on improving flight punctuality to build trust and reliability among passengers.
• Clear Communication: Keep passengers informed about flight statuses, delays, and cancellations through timely notifications.
4. Safety and hygiene measures
• Transparency about Safety Measures: Clearly communicate safety protocols to reassure travelers about the measures being taken to protect their health.
5. Flexible Travel Options
• Flexible Booking Policies: Allow free cancellations and changes to bookings to reduce the risk perceived by travelers.
• Multi-Destination Tickets: Offer flexible multi-destination tickets that allow travelers to explore more without the need to book separate flights.
By implementing these strategies, airlines can create a more attractive and convenient travel experience, ultimately drawing more passengers back into the skies.
