Air Travel Becomes Costlier This Festive Season
As the Diwali festival approaches, air travel within India has become more expensive than flying abroad. Airline ticket prices from Delhi and Mumbai to major North Indian cities have shot up to ₹30,000, while flights to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong are available for just ₹17,000. This steep surge in domestic fares has angered and frustrated thousands of Indian travelers.
💸 Domestic Fare Hike: India vs. International Routes
A check on popular travel portals shows shocking differences in fares:
Delhi–Lucknow (Oct 18): ₹13,618 to ₹18,738 (was ₹4,200 on Oct 9)
Delhi–Patna (Oct 18): ₹15,248 to ₹26,072 (was ₹4,900)
Mumbai–Lucknow (Oct 18): ₹17,401 to ₹29,466 (was ₹7,202)
Bangalore–Lucknow (Oct 18): ₹16,429 to ₹23,656 (was ₹7,288)
Mumbai–Ahmedabad (Oct 18): ₹5,078 to ₹13,936 (was ₹2,500–₹3,500)
Mumbai–Bhopal (Oct 18): ₹14,500 to ₹18,048 (was ₹6,099)
Mumbai–Jaipur (Oct 18): ₹18,352 to ₹26,038 (was ₹6,000–₹7,000)
In comparison, international flights to Malaysia or Singapore cost just ₹17,000–₹19,000, highlighting how domestic travel has become disproportionately expensive.
😩 Festive Rush: Commuters Struggle to Get Home
Travelers returning home for Diwali face limited and overpriced options. Even premium trains like Vande Bharat from Delhi to Lucknow, Prayagraj, or Varanasi are fully booked, with long waiting lists. Meanwhile, bus fares have surged to ₹4,000–₹5,000, leaving passengers stranded and helpless.
Experts believe airlines exploit festive demand by sharply raising ticket prices, taking advantage of limited alternatives during high-traffic periods.
📉 Public Outcry and Demand for Regulation
With airfares touching new highs, travelers are demanding that the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) intervene to ensure fair pricing. The festive spirit, many say, is dimmed by such exploitative practices that make celebrating with family nearly impossible.
