With Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, airfares on several domestic routes have increased sharply. Data from booking platforms and aviation industry analysis indicates that ticket prices on many major and regional routes are currently around 1.5 to 3.5 times higher than normal levels.
The steep rise in fares is particularly affecting people travelling to their hometowns during the festive period, adding pressure to travel budgets for middle-class families and working professionals.
Delhi-Patna, Darbhanga and Kolkata Routes See Sharp Fare Hikes
Delhi-Patna is among the routes witnessing a significant increase in ticket prices. Flights that usually cost around ₹4,500 are starting at approximately ₹6,000 during Durga Puja and reaching around ₹10,000 during Chhath Puja. On November 7, the base fare was reported to have reached ₹14,000.
The Delhi-Darbhanga route is seeing even higher prices because of limited flight availability. Fares start at around ₹6,500 during Durga Puja and rise to approximately ₹12,000 during Chhath Puja on November 11. Prices have also reached around ₹17,000 for Diwali travel on November 7.
On the Delhi-Kolkata route, base fares begin at around ₹8,000 during Durga Puja, while they rise to approximately ₹11,000 around Diwali. During Chhath Puja, fares start at about ₹7,500.
Four Major Reasons Behind Rising Airfares
Several factors are contributing to the increase in festive-season airfares.
One major factor is the rise in Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices. ATF accounts for roughly one-third of airline operating expenses and has increased by 5.46%.
Limited competition is another factor. India’s domestic aviation market is largely served by major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India. On routes with fewer flight choices, including Darbhanga, limited options can result in higher fares.
Flight availability has also declined. According to aviation analytics firm OAG, domestic flight capacity has fallen by 5.6% despite strong demand for travel during the holiday period.
Another factor is dynamic pricing. Airlines use algorithms that adjust fares according to demand, search activity and booking patterns. As seats become limited and booking activity rises, the prices of remaining seats can increase significantly.
Delhi-Patna Flight Fares by Date
Travellers planning to fly from Delhi to Patna may see substantial differences in fares depending on their travel date. According to the given fare data, November 1 and 2 have comparatively lower prices, while fares rise as the festival period approaches.
Budget connecting IndiGo flights on November 1 and 2 start at around ₹13,024. For direct travel on November 1, IndiGo fares start at approximately ₹13,514, while SpiceJet direct flights begin at around ₹13,865.
The reported Delhi-Patna fares are:
- November 1 and 2: ₹13,024
- November 3: ₹14,712
- November 4: ₹15,976
- November 5: ₹17,039
- November 6 and 7: ₹20,219 to ₹21,379
- November 8 and 9: ₹14,922 to ₹14,965
- November 10: ₹16,002
Mumbai-Patna Fares Also Rise Sharply
Airfares from Mumbai to Patna are also increasing as the festive period gets closer. November 6 is listed as the most expensive travel date among the fares provided.
The lowest connecting IndiGo fare on November 1 starts at around ₹18,233. For direct flights on the same day, SpiceJet has fares starting at approximately ₹19,644, followed by IndiGo at around ₹20,140.
The reported Mumbai-Patna fares are:
- November 1: ₹18,233
- November 2: ₹19,644
- November 3: ₹20,390
- November 4 and 5: ₹23,174 to ₹24,271
- November 6: ₹28,181
- November 7 and 8: ₹23,137 to ₹23,263
- November 9 and 10: ₹22,569 to ₹24,674
Travellers looking to reduce their air-travel expenses during the festive season can consider flying during non-peak hours, including early-morning or late-night services. Checking nearby airports and comparing connecting flights with direct options may also provide additional choices when fares are high.
Disclaimer: The fares mentioned in this article are based on the information provided in the source material and may change depending on the airline, booking time, seat availability and travel date. Passengers should check the latest prices and flight schedules directly with airlines or booking platforms before making travel arrangements.