Airlines go generous this Diwali

Several foreign airlines are taking the lead in Diwali discounts by offering deep cuts in fares.

SriLankan Airlines has the Colombo Jumbo -- Mumbai to Colombo at Rs 10,525, the lowest among all international airlines. The airline is also throwing in a two-day stay at one holiday destination.

"The actual fare is Rs 17,260, excluding taxes. We are offering a 64 per cent discount during Diwali," A Sri Lankan Airlines executive said.

Singapore Airlines has cut fares by 32-50 per cent to various destinations from India during Diwali: Singapore to Amritsar at Rs 11,400 (actual fare, Rs 18,950), Amritsar-Bangkok return at Rs 12,300 (Rs 20,530) and Amristar to Kuala Lumpur at Rs 11,700 (Rs 19,470).

"The response to the Diwali packages is tremendous. We have mopped up Rs 1.5 crore in the last five days from hotel and tour operations," Ashwin Damera, CEO of leading travel portal, Travelguru, told Business Standard.

Travelguru has tied up with Jet Airways for a 50 per cent discount on fares, and also with other airlines, including Air Deccan, for significant markdowns. The Jet Airways' special "shock fares" are valid till October 31, where a passenger will get tickets at half the actual fare.

"We are also offering a 25 per cent cash-back offer on hotel charges as part of the Diwali package. We give 25 per cent of the amount booked for hotels or tour destinations in cash," Damera added.

Meanwhile, budget carrier GoAir has designed GoCelebrate, a special package of over 100,000 tickets with fares starting at Rs 525.

State-owned tour operator Travel Corporation of India is offering special packages for the Far East, South Africa and Egypt during Diwali.

Transport Corporation of India is also offering Diwali packages for Bangkok and Pattaya for five days starting from Rs 4,633, and for Malyasia starting from Rs 19,076.