Planning to fly home for Diwali or Durga Puja? Booking your tickets early could save you a significant amount this festive season, with airfares on several popular routes already climbing well above their usual levels. The steepest increases are being seen on sectors with limited direct flight options. Scroll down to know more.
Airfare Cost Hikes Up By 340% For Diwali
One-way economy fares on some festive routes have risen to two or even three times their usual prices as seats fill up. Routes connecting major cities with smaller regional airports are witnessing some of the sharpest jumps. The Delhi-Patna route is one example. According to Moneycontrol, non-stop economy fares that typically cost around ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 have crossed ₹12,500 on peak festive dates. Last-minute direct fares have gone beyond ₹13,500.
The rise is even steeper on some routes with limited competition. Kolkata-Deoghar fares, which usually cost around ₹2,800, have climbed to approximately ₹12,500 during the Durga Puja period, marking an increase of around 340%. Meanwhile, Delhi-Agatti fares have jumped from a usual ₹8,500 to around ₹25,000 for peak October holiday dates, an increase of nearly 194%.
The festive rush is also pushing up fares on routes connecting metros with smaller cities and towns. Bengaluru-Jharsuguda non-stop tickets, for instance, have risen from around ₹4,200 to ₹16,200 ahead of Diwali, an increase of approximately 285%.
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Regional Routes See Sharper Fare Jumps
Mumbai-Bareilly has seen a similar trend, with fares rising from a usual ₹4,500 to more than ₹15,000. On major metro routes, however, the increase is comparatively moderate. Delhi-Kolkata fares have crossed ₹12,300 from an off-peak level of around ₹4,800, while Delhi-Bengaluru tickets have reached approximately ₹10,000. Delhi-Mumbai fares are currently hovering around ₹7,000.
Mumbai-Kolkata has also seen a sharp increase during the main Durga Puja travel period. Direct economy tickets that usually cost between ₹5,000 and ₹6,500 are now selling for around ₹11,500 to ₹14,200. The surge comes amid strong festive demand and limited seat availability. Fleet delivery delays, engine maintenance and higher operating costs have also put pressure on airline capacity.
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Fuel costs are adding to the pressure. Domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices rose by 5.46%, or ₹6.28 per litre, to ₹121.28 per litre on September 1, up from ₹115. This was the second consecutive monthly increase. ATF accounts for around 35% to 40% of airline operating costs, making fuel prices an important factor in airline expenses.
Have you booked your tickets for Diwali?
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FAQs
Why are Diwali flights so expensive?
Diwali flight tickets are expensive because a massive surge in holiday demand meets limited seat availability and rising operational costs.