Why Are Air Passengers Stranded in Tamil Nadu This Festive Season?
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Synopsis
This festive season, air passengers in Tamil Nadu are grappling with significant travel challenges due to a lack of direct flights, resulting in soaring fares and longer transit times. As holiday travel peaks, many are calling on airlines to enhance capacity to meet the heightened demand.
Key Takeaways
- Severe flight shortages for direct routes from Chennai during the holiday season.
- Significant fare increases and extended travel times reported.
- Passengers compelled to seek indirect travel options through other cities.
- Need for airlines to enhance capacity planning during peak seasons.
- Urgent calls for additional flights to meet rising demand.
Chennai, Dec 23 (NationPress) Travellers flying from Chennai to the southern regions of Tamil Nadu are encountering significant obstacles due to the lack of direct flights amidst the bustling Christmas and New Year holiday period. The demand for flights has surged, far outpacing the available capacity, leading to a sharp increase in airfares and considerably longer travel durations, much to the frustration of holiday-goers. With schools and colleges on extended breaks, many residents of Chennai and its suburbs are making their way back to their hometowns to celebrate the festive season with family.
As a result, there has been a dramatic rise in passenger numbers at Chennai International Airport, especially for routes linking the city to the southern districts, according to airline representatives.
Direct flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi are fully booked for both Wednesday and Thursday.
This situation has compelled passengers heading to Thoothukudi to look for alternative indirect routes. Many tried to book flights via Thiruvananthapuram, only to find those flights completely booked as well due to the surge in festive demand.
With limited options available, numerous passengers are now required to take connecting flights through Bengaluru before heading to destinations like Thiruvananthapuram or Thoothukudi. This has resulted in significantly inflated ticket prices and extended travel times.
Trips that typically take just over an hour are now turning into day-long journeys involving lengthy layovers and multiple flight segments.
A similar scenario is unfolding for flights connecting Chennai with Madurai, Tiruchi, and Salem. With all direct tickets sold out, passengers are being forced to reroute through Bengaluru, which substantially raises both costs and travel fatigue. Some travellers have reported paying nearly double the usual fares to secure last-minute seats on alternative flights.
Passengers have voiced their concerns regarding the inadequate capacity planning during peak holiday seasons, emphasizing that the demand for festive travel is largely foreseeable.
Many are advocating for airlines to increase the number of flights or utilize larger aircraft on key routes from Chennai to southern destinations such as Thoothukudi, Madurai, Tiruchi, Salem, and Coimbatore, in order to alleviate congestion, manage fare inflation, and facilitate smoother travel during the holiday season.
Point of View
It’s clear that the ongoing situation at Chennai International Airport highlights a systemic issue in capacity planning for peak travel times. The predictable surge in festive travel demand should prompt airlines to take proactive measures. Ensuring adequate flight availability is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction and managing travel logistics effectively.
NationPress
24/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are flights from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu sold out?
The surge in demand during the Christmas and New Year holiday season has led to a complete sell-out of direct flights from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu.
What alternatives do passengers have for reaching Thoothukudi?
Passengers are searching for indirect routes, often connecting through Bengaluru or Thiruvananthapuram, which has resulted in higher costs and longer travel times.
How have ticket prices changed during this festive season?
Ticket prices have increased significantly, with some passengers reporting costs nearly double the usual fares due to limited availability.
What can airlines do to address this issue?
Airlines could operate additional flights or deploy larger aircraft to key southern destinations to alleviate congestion and manage fare increases.
What are the major routes affected?
Major affected routes include flights from Chennai to Thoothukudi, Madurai, Tiruchi, and Salem.
