New Delhi, Delhi
New Delhi: Airfares are witnessing a sharp increase ahead of major festivals such as Diwali and Durga Puja. With festive-season demand rising across several major domestic routes in India, ticket prices have climbed significantly, in some cases by nearly 340% compared with normal days.
The surge is directly affecting the travel budgets of passengers planning to fly home or meet their families during the festive period.
According to reports, routes with limited direct flight options or less competition are witnessing the steepest increases in fares. As seat availability declines, the remaining tickets become increasingly expensive under airlines’ dynamic pricing systems.
Kolkata–Deoghar Route Sees Biggest Surge
The Kolkata–Deoghar route is among those witnessing the sharpest increase in fares during the festive season. On normal days, tickets on this route are available for around ₹2,800. However, during the peak dates of Durga Puja, fares have risen to more than ₹12,500.
Similarly, a non-stop economy ticket between Delhi and Patna generally costs around ₹3,500 to ₹4,500 on regular days. With festive demand increasing, fares have crossed ₹12,500. Passengers booking at the last minute may have to pay more than ₹13,500.
A significant difference has also been reported on the Delhi–Agatti route. A ticket that normally costs around ₹8,500 has now risen to approximately ₹25,000.
Passengers travelling from Bengaluru to Jharsuguda are also facing substantially higher fares during the festive period. The normal fare on this route is reported to be around ₹4,200, while ticket prices around Diwali have climbed to more than ₹16,200.
The Mumbai–Bareilly route has also recorded a notable increase. A ticket that usually costs around ₹4,500 is now priced at approximately ₹15,000. Meanwhile, fares on the Mumbai–Kolkata route during the peak Durga Puja period have reportedly reached ₹11,500 to ₹14,500, compared with around ₹5,000 on normal days.
Declining Seat Availability and Higher Fuel Costs Push Up Fares
Air ticket prices depend on several factors. Airlines generally use dynamic pricing models, under which ticket prices increase as more seats on a flight are booked. This effect becomes particularly pronounced during the festive season when demand rises sharply over a short period.
Another factor affecting airline costs is the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). From September 1, ATF prices were increased by 5.46%, taking the price to ₹121.28 per litre. Fuel is estimated to account for around 35% to 40% of an airline’s overall operating costs.
For passengers planning to travel during the festive season, booking tickets early could therefore prove beneficial. As the travel date approaches and seat availability decreases, fares are likely to rise further.
However, actual ticket prices can vary depending on the travel date, flight availability, booking time and airline.
