Diwali Travel: Guwahati Sees 386%, Jaipur 306% And Patna 271% Increase In Flight Bookings

As Diwali approaches, the country’s travel landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation which has brought a surge in domestic flight bookings, with numbers soaring by an impressive 85% compared to last year. This surge not only doubles the number of travellers but also surpasses pre-COVID levels, signalling a robust recovery in India’s aviation sector.

Diwali Travel Flight Bookings

The trend of early booking is prominent this Diwali. Travellers are planning their trips well in advance, with the average booking window stretching to 27 days. This proactive approach ensures that they secure seats to some of the most sought-after destinations during the festive period. Among the top cities attracting Diwali travellers are New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Port Blair, Kochi, and Patna.

Data from RateGain revealed that one of the main drivers behind this travel boom is the desire to reconnect with family during the festival. Many people are returning to their hometowns, a shift that highlights a notable change in travel behaviour. Reverse travel, where city dwellers head back to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, has become increasingly common. Guwahati has seen a staggering 386% increase in bookings, making it the top performer in this trend. Jaipur follows with a 306% rise, and Patna is close behind at 271%. Significant increases are also noted in other cities such as Chennai, Amritsar, and Lucknow.

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Rejuvenated Travel Enthusiasm

The data underscores a broader trend of rejuvenated travel enthusiasm as the festival season arrives. The spike in bookings reflects a deep-seated desire to celebrate Diwali with loved ones, enhancing the festive spirit. Airlines and travel companies are witnessing this surge as an opportunity to cater to the high demand, adjusting their services to accommodate the influx of passengers.

For airlines, the festival of Diwali has transformed into a festival of flights. The increased travel activity not only supports the recovery of the aviation sector but also highlights how traditional celebrations can drive modern travel trends. It’s a period when airports become bustling hubs of activity, and flight schedules are packed with passengers eager to reach their destinations.

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As India’s domestic travel scene continues to soar, the festival of Diwali is redefining how the country celebrates, connects, and comes together. The dramatic increase in flight bookings serves as a testament to the enduring significance of family and festivity in Indian culture.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva (Representative Image)