Airlines go in for flash sales; tickets up for Rs.1,999

To attract more flyers and retain market share, domestic airlines Tuesday launched new flash sales of tickets, starting with a minimum airfare of Rs.1,999.

"Low cost carriers (LCC) SpiceJet, Indigo and GoAir have started a three-day sale at Rs.1,999 on flights across sectors, aimed at boosting travel during the lean period between the long weekends of Aug 15-18 and Oct 2-5," said Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com.

"This is an excellent offer for someone who wants to take a quick break before the high fares of the festive season kick in," Dhall added.

Budget carrier SpiceJet started the low fare flash scheme which was followed by other players.

Called the monsoon sale offer, SpiceJet offered fares starting Rs.1,999 (excluding taxes) to anywhere across India.

Tickets under the scheme are meant to be booked between July 15 and 17 for travel between Aug 18 and Sep 30.

"Indian travellers have reason to rejoice this Monsoon season with a new airfare sale valid for closer dates of travel (August and September) this year," said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and chief executive India, MakeMyTrip.

Budget passenger carrier SpiceJet had last week launched another promotional fare scheme offering all-India travel options starting from Rs.999, excluding taxes.

It had placed 10,00,000 seats starting from Rs.999, that can be booked between July 8 and 10 for travel from Jan 6 to Oct 24, 2015 to destinations across India.

In the recent months, many LCCs have launched nationwide discount schemes and several sector-wise fare reduction plans.