Ahmedabad: Domestic aircraft movements at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA) fell 18% year-on-year in Sep this year, raising concerns over flight availability and airfares ahead of the festive travel rush. International aircraft movements also declined 15.1%. The airport recorded 5,468 domestic aircraft movements in Sep, compared with 6,668 in the corresponding month last year. International movements fell to 1,060 from 1,249.The decline extended across the first six months of FY27. Domestic aircraft movements dropped by 8.7% to 38,290 in April-Sep, against 41,955 a year earlier. International movements saw a steeper fall of 23.6%, from 8,229 to 6,290.Even as the winter schedule was implemented, the overall number of flights is down compared to last year, and this has primarily put pressure on airfares, according to travel industry players.“Fewer flight options may reduce flexibility for passengers and increase the demand for seats on high-demand routes. This could lead to higher fares, especially for last-minute bookings and peak travel dates. Overall demand during Diwali week has softened, with many travellers choosing to fly before or after the festival to avoid peak airfare prices,” said travel expert Jigar Dudakiya.Domestic passenger numbers fell by 9.2% in Sept to 7.5 lakh from 8.3 lakh. The April-Sept count declined by just 2.3% to 52.8 lakh, compared with 54 lakh in the previous year.International passenger traffic recorded a sharper decline. Numbers fell 15.8% in Sep to 1.5 lakh from 1.8 lakh. The six-month tally dropped 19.3% to 9.58 lakh against 11.8 lakh.“An overall reduction in flight movements has primarily affected passenger movement. Airfares, too, have a role to play here. The relatively modest decline in domestic passenger numbers over six months, compared with the fall in aircraft movements, suggests demand has remained more resilient than flight capacity,” said a source.
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