Sahara, Jet may cut Gujarat fares

With Indian Airlines slashing its fares in the Gujarat-Maharashtra sector and no-frills airlines Air Deccan having launched its operations in the region recently, other players like Jet Airways and Air Sahara are expected to reduce their fares shortly.

Indian Airlines Area Marketing Manager (Ahmedabad) Bharat Tikle said, "The promotional fare of Rs 2,000 for economy class travel on the Mumbai-Vadodara, Mumbai-Ahmedabad, Mumbai-Bhavnagar and Mumbai-Rajkot routes will be effective till September 30. Passengers who buy tickets before the deadline will be allowed to avail of these special fares till October 31."

Compared with the government carrier's promotional fares, Air Deccan, which has started with just one flight between Ahmedabad and Mumbai, charges Rs 2,200.

However, Air Deccan will shortly launch a flight in the Mumbai-Vadodara sector and price its tickets at Rs 1,900. Indian Airlines charges Rs 2,000 and Jet Airways and Air Sahara Rs 3,154 on this route. In the Mumbai-Bhavnagar sector, Air Deccan has plans to charge Rs 1,800.

An Air Sahara source said the airline was working on plans for passengers flying between Gujarat and Maharashtra, which is expected to be announced shortly.

Jet Airways sources said the operator was monitoring the situation and considering a limited period special offer.