Airfares shoot up by 185% due to Holi rush, key routes touch Rs. 20000

With Holi approaching, airfares on several key domestic routes have surged sharply as travel demand peaks. On routes connecting metros such as New Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai to cities in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, ticket prices have risen by as much as 185 per cent for travel around February 28, the weekend before the festival.

On the Bengaluru to Gorakhpur route, fares have climbed to Rs 19,589, nearly touching the Rs 20,000 mark. A month later, the same route is available for around Rs 7,000, indicating a steep festive spike. Similarly, New Delhi to Gorakhpur fares drop from Rs 8,563 on February 28 to Rs 2,999 on March 28, marking nearly a 185 per cent difference.

Other routes have witnessed similar jumps. New Delhi to Patna fares are priced at Rs 11,056 for February 28, compared to Rs 4,502 a month later. On the New Delhi to Kolkata route, ticket prices nearly double from Rs 4,799 in late March to Rs 9,989 before Holi. The Bengaluru to Patna and Mumbai to Prayagraj sectors have also seen fares cross Rs 15,000 during the festive window.

The surge is attributed to peak seasonal demand, limited seat availability and dynamic pricing models followed by airlines. As trains remain fully booked and last-minute travellers rush to secure tickets, fares continue to climb. The Supreme Court has expressed concern over sharp price hikes and directed the government to detail steps being taken, but for now, passengers heading home for Holi are paying a premium.