Chennai saw a sudden spike in return travel after the recent Assembly election, as many residents who had gone to their native places to vote headed back at the same time.
According to reports, several Chennai-based voters travelled out on April 23 for polling, with many extending the trip due to the following day and the weekend, often travelling with family.
Once voting concluded, a large number of passengers began their return journey together, leading to heavy crowds on buses and trains. Those who tried to fly back to Chennai found limited availability, with only one or two seats left on many flights.
With demand outstripping supply, the remaining seats were priced far above usual levels, and many passengers were unable to secure tickets.
Airline sources said that flights to and from cities such as Tiruchirappalli, Coimbatore and Madurai had been booked well in advance, and that the sharp fare rise was driven by demand-based pricing on the few seats that remained.
