Festive Season Air Fares Hit Record High; International Travel Cheaper

Passengers planning to return home for Diwali and Chhath celebrations this season are confronting unprecedented travel costs, with domestic airline fares reaching as high as ₹22,000 on key routes. The spike in ticket prices comes as trains have become increasingly difficult to book, forcing many travellers to explore alternative transport modes.

Flights from major departure points including Hyderabad to destinations such as Chandigarh, Patna, Jaipur, and Lucknow are commanding fares significantly above normal levels. The price surge has created an unusual market dynamic where international routes to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand have become comparatively affordable options for budget-conscious travellers.

The combination of high demand during the festive period and limited availability on popular domestic routes has created a perfect storm for travellers. Railway reservations have been heavily booked, with confirmed seats becoming rare on most trunk routes connecting metros to smaller cities and towns across India.

Industry observers attribute the spike to the convergence of two major festivals within a short timeframe, triggering unprecedented passenger volume across all modes of transport. The situation underscores the capacity constraints within India's transport infrastructure during peak festive seasons.