People Prefer Local Travel To Distant Destinations During Year-end Holiday
Travel agents reported that some tourists opted to stay closer to home, choosing local getaways or short trips instead of air travel
As year-end travel peaked and dense fog disrupted flights across large parts of north India, Shamshabad airport officials said operations from the city remained largely stable from December 24, save for disruptions to 20 flights over two days.
However, airfares rose during the holiday rush, and heavy road traffic pointed that people preferred local travel this holiday season. Huge traffic jam was reported on Hyderabad-Vijawada highway on Friday morning.
In anticipation of higher passenger volumes during the holiday period, RGIA issued a passenger advisory asking travellers to plan ahead and allow extra time at check-in and security points. Passengers were advised to factor in longer waiting times.
The holiday period also coincided with a milestone for RGIA. From December 25, Hyderabad became directly connected to Navi Mumbai International Airport, taking the airport’s network to 100 destinations.
Travel agents reported that some tourists opted to stay closer to home, choosing local getaways or short trips instead of air travel. This was visible on the road, with traffic jams reported on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada highway on Friday morning due to motorists heading out to celebrate the holiday weekend.
Long queues of vehicles were seen at the Pantangi, Choutuppal and Korlapadu toll gates. Commuters faced difficulties due to heavy traffic from the Outer Ring Road on National Highway 65 towards Abdullapurmet, Hayathanagar and Choutuppal. Traffic police were deployed on the ground and were working to clear the congestion.