Diwali Cheer: Domestic Airfares Drop 20-25% Ahead of Festive Season
Diwali Cheer: Domestic Airfares Drop 20-25% Ahead of Festive Season
Air passengers can expect a joyful Diwali this year, as average domestic airfares have significantly decreased, registering a 20-25% drop compared to last year’s prices. A recent analysis by travel portal ixigo attributes this positive trend to increased flight capacity and falling oil prices.
The report highlights that average airfares on domestic routes have seen a notable decline, with Bengaluru-Kolkata flights experiencing the most significant drop of 38%, falling to Rs 6,319 from Rs 10,195. Other popular routes also benefited from substantial price reductions: Mumbai-Delhi and Delhi-Udaipur flights decreased by 34%, while Delhi-Kolkata fares dropped by 32%.
Aloke Bajpai, CEO of ixigo Group, discussed the findings, stating, “Last year, airfares surged due to limited capacity. However, this year, we’ve seen relief with added capacity, resulting in a 20-25% year-on-year dip in average airfares for the last week of October.” He also noted that oil prices have decreased by 15% this year, providing travelers with more affordable options during the festive season.
Despite the overall decrease, some routes have experienced price hikes amid rising oil prices driven by geopolitical tensions. For example, Ahmedabad-Delhi flights saw a 34% increase to Rs 8,758, and Mumbai-Dehradun routes increased by 33%, now costing Rs 15,527.
Key route price changes include:
- Bengaluru-Kolkata: Down 38% to Rs 6,319
- Mumbai-Delhi: Dropped 34% to Rs 5,762
- Delhi-Udaipur: Decreased by 34%
- Delhi-Kolkata: Down 32%
As airfares drop, travelers can take advantage of more budget-friendly options during the festive season. However, the fluctuating oil prices may affect future fare trends. For now, Diwali travelers can celebrate the savings and plan their trips accordingly, making this festive season more accessible.
