From Airbus to bus: Private operators hope to retain travellers as demand rises amid ongoing IndiGo fiasco

Core Insights - The cancellation of IndiGo flights has led to a surge in demand for bus travel, with private operators and online ticketing platforms capitalizing on the situation to attract more users [1][4]. Group 1: Market Response - Bookings at redBus increased by 17% from December 5 to 8, following flight cancellations from December 1 to 4, with over 30% surge in bookings across 70+ routes in major cities [2][3]. - Demand for short-haul routes, typically dominated by flights, has risen significantly, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, indicating a shift in traveler preferences due to airline disruptions [3][4]. - Search volumes for major metro routes increased by 36%, reflecting heightened travel anxiety among users [3]. Group 2: Company Performance - Leafybus, an electric bus operator, reported an increase in occupancy from 90% to 99% due to the rise in demand [6]. - AbhiBus noted a 10-15% increase in bookings across key intercity routes in recent days [7][8]. - FlixBus India experienced a slight increase in demand but is prepared to add capacity as needed [7]. Group 3: Pricing Dynamics - Bus operators have implemented dynamic pricing, with an average fare increase of 25% on high-demand routes; Leafybus raised its ticket price from ₹500 to ₹750 [9]. - Operators are focusing on maintaining customer service and punctuality to retain travelers even after the flight disruptions end [10][11]. Group 4: Industry Growth - The intercity bus ecosystem in India has seen significant growth, with private bus operators selling 140 million seats from April to September, up from 112 million the previous year [11]. - Gross ticket value rose from ₹10,718 crore in 2024 to ₹13,216 crore this year, indicating a robust market expansion [12]. - The number of active private bus operators increased by over 1,000 to 6,073, highlighting the growing competitiveness in the sector [12].