This diwali, the joy of travel comes with a hefty price tag. Despite GST relief on many goods, airfare during the festive season has surged sharply, making travel plans more expensive than ever. Here’s everything you need to know about the spike in ticket prices.
1. Fares Surge on Major Routes
Several popular routes are seeing 50% or higher increases compared to last year. According to ixigo data:
- Mumbai-Patna: Rs14,540 (up from Rs11,000) → +32%
- Bengaluru-Lucknow: Rs9,899 (up from Rs6,720) → +47%
- Mumbai-Lucknow: Rs10,264 (up from Rs6,974) → +47%
- Delhi-Kolkata: Rs9,377 (up from Rs6,861) → +37%
- Delhi-Pune: Rs7,921 (up from Rs6,050) → +31%
Other notable hikes include:
Route | 2024 Fare | 2025 Fare | Increase |
Mumbai-Hyderabad | Rs5,047 | Rs5,823 | +15% |
Mumbai-Chennai | Rs6,216 | Rs7,291 | +14% |
Ahmedabad-Delhi | Rs5,604 | Rs6,363 | +14% |
Delhi-Bengaluru | Rs8,695 | Rs10,254 | +18% |
Mumbai-Goa | Rs4,025 | Rs4,386 | +9% |
Mumbai-Bengaluru | Rs4,387 | Rs4,910 | +12% |
2. Why Are Airfares Rising Despite GST Cuts?
While the GST Council recently removed two GST slabs to make essential items cheaper, airlines have offset the relief with higher ticket prices. The main reasons include:
- Reduced Flight Supply: air india is cutting flights on multiple routes due to aircraft upgrades.
- Limited Additions: indigo has added flights, but supply still lags behind demand.
- High Demand: diwali season sees a surge in travelers, pushing fares upward.
3. Impact of Weak Rupee and Fuel Costs
Airline expenses are heavily influenced by the dollar-denominated cost of aviation turbine fuel (ATF). With a weaker rupee and high ATF prices, airlines are passing on these extra costs to passengers, adding to the already high festive fares.
4. Flight Numbers vs. Demand
In october 2025, domestic airlines are expected to operate 22,209 weekly flights, 3% fewer than last year. The combination of fewer flights and higher demand during diwali results in tight seat availability, further driving up ticket prices.
5. Route-Wise Highlights
- North India: UP and bihar routes like Mumbai-Patna and Bengaluru-Lucknow have seen the steepest increases, up to 47%.
- Metro Connections: Delhi-Kolkata and Mumbai-Lucknow fares are up over 35%, impacting frequent flyers.
- Leisure Destinations: Even holiday hotspots like Mumbai-Goa and Mumbai-Bengaluru have seen double-digit fare increases.
6. Tips for Travelers This Diwali
- Book Early: With high demand, early bookings may still save money.
- Flexible Dates: Avoid peak festival days to find lower fares.
- Consider Alternative Airports: Nearby airports may have cheaper flights.
- Compare Platforms: Use apps like ixigo, MakeMyTrip, or airline websites for price alerts.
7. Bottom Line
While GST reforms provide relief for essentials, air travel during diwali remains a luxury due to high demand, limited flights, and rising fuel costs. Planning ahead, comparing fares, and booking early is crucial for budget-conscious travelers this festive season.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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