Domestic airfares across India have surged during the Dussehra and Durga Puja travel period from October 16 to 20, 2026, with last-minute one-way tickets on several major routes costing significantly more than their usual off-peak rates. The increase is creating additional financial pressure for families travelling home, students, migrant workers and passengers who cannot book their journeys in advance.

Indicative fares for Friday, October 16, show sharp increases across several domestic routes. Chennai to Tiruchirappalli tickets were advertised at around ₹9,896, compared with an off-peak reference fare of ₹5,066, an increase of approximately 95%. Mumbai to Delhi fares reached ₹16,016 against a baseline of around ₹5,735–₹6,400, while Bengaluru to Ahmedabad tickets were priced between ₹12,201 and ₹13,240, compared with a reference fare of approximately ₹6,431.

Kolkata to Hyderabad fares also rose to around ₹10,801–₹11,536, against an off-peak reference of ₹7,231. These are indicative advertised fares and may change as seat availability and demand fluctuate.

The pressure extends beyond these routes. Reports have highlighted Chennai to Mumbai fares reaching ₹30,000 and Chennai to Hyderabad tickets costing as much as ₹27,000 for October 16. According to Cleartrip's PeekABoo tracker, the average one-way fare between Chennai and Kolkata was approximately ₹15,500 during October 11–20, nearly 96% higher than the off-peak average of ₹7,900.

Why Are Airfares Rising?

The festive calendar has concentrated travel demand into a short period. Durga Puja celebrations began around Maha Shashti on October 16, followed by Maha Navami on October 19 and Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, on October 20. The overlap of holidays, family reunions and leisure travel has increased demand on popular routes.

Airlines generally use demand-based pricing, meaning fares can rise as lower-priced seats sell out and departure dates approach. Higher aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs and fuel surcharges introduced by Indian carriers have added to the pressure. Passengers booking at short notice are particularly affected, especially when work commitments, leave approvals or financial constraints prevent early planning.

The Impact on Travellers and the Hospitality Sector

The rise in airfares is making festive travel more expensive for families and individuals who need to reach their hometowns. A short domestic journey, such as Chennai to Tiruchirappalli, can become a significant expense when ticket prices approach ₹10,000.

Students and migrant workers travelling between major cities and their hometowns face similar challenges. When fares rise sharply, many passengers turn to trains, buses or private vehicles, putting additional pressure on alternative transport services and road networks.

The impact also extends to tourism and hospitality. Higher transport costs can discourage discretionary trips, shorten holidays and reduce spending on hotels, restaurants, local transport and shopping. Destinations that depend on domestic visitors may feel the effects if travellers decide to postpone or cancel their plans.

Calls for Greater Fare Transparency

The sharp increases have renewed discussions about airfare regulation and consumer protection. The government has indicated that airfare rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, have been finalised and that publication is expected within two weeks, according to reports. However, the absence of an immediate fare cap means passengers continue to face market-driven prices during the current festive rush.

A balanced approach could help protect consumers without preventing airlines from responding to demand or managing operating costs. Publishing the pending rules would provide greater clarity, while a temporary festive-season monitoring system could help authorities identify unusually steep increases on high-demand routes.

Other possible measures include publishing route-level fare ranges, displaying total ticket prices and mandatory charges more clearly, and examining how far last-minute fares rise above recent average levels. Airlines and airports could also explore additional capacity on heavily booked routes wherever operational conditions permit.

Strengthening alternative transport options is equally important. Additional trains, more bus services and better coordination between state transport agencies could provide passengers with more affordable choices during major holiday periods. Any measures to protect essential travellers, including students, senior citizens, medical passengers and low-income workers, would need careful planning to ensure that support reaches those who need it most.

As festive travel demand continues to test affordability, the immediate priorities are clearer fare disclosures, effective monitoring and timely regulatory action. Over the longer term, stronger competition, adequate flight capacity and predictable consumer-protection rules could help create a more transparent and accessible domestic aviation market.