Planning a vacation this summer? Be prepared to spend more on flight tickets.
With schools closed for summer holidays and families heading out for vacations, air travel demand has surged across the country.
As a result, airline ticket prices have increased sharply, making travel significantly more expensive than usual.
Experts say rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and heavy seasonal demand are the main reasons behind the fare hike.
Flight Tickets Now Cost Two to Three Times More
Passengers traveling to major cities are facing a major jump in ticket prices.
Flights to Mumbai, which usually cost between ₹4,000 and ₹6,000, are now selling for ₹13,000 to ₹15,000.
Similarly, fares to Delhi have more than doubled, rising from around ₹2,500–₹3,000 to ₹5,500–₹6,000.
The situation is similar on other popular routes.
Ticket prices to Bengaluru have crossed ₹10,000, while fares to Hyderabad are approaching the same mark.
Even international travel has become more expensive, with airfares on several overseas routes increasing by up to 30 percent.
Tourist Destinations Driving Demand
One of the biggest reasons behind the fare surge is the rush of travelers heading to popular holiday destinations.
Hill stations and tourist hotspots such as Shimla, Darjeeling, Meghalaya, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand are witnessing a sharp increase in visitors during the summer season.
As demand rises, airlines are adjusting fares accordingly, making last-minute bookings especially costly for travelers.
Airport Expansion Adds to the Pressure
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur currently handles around 80 to 90 flights every day.
However, ongoing expansion work at the airport has led to a reduction in flight operations.
With fewer flights available and passenger demand continuing to grow, ticket prices have climbed even higher.
The combination of peak travel season and limited seat availability is creating a challenging situation for passengers looking for affordable tickets.
Some Routes See Record Price Hikes
Several routes have witnessed dramatic increases in fares.
A one-stop flight to Kolkata, which was once relatively affordable, now costs between ₹13,000 and ₹15,000.
Meanwhile, passengers traveling to Jammu are paying over ₹16,000 for tickets that typically cost around ₹6,000 during normal periods.
With summer travel in full swing, experts advise passengers to book tickets as early as possible to avoid paying premium prices.
Will Airfares Come Down Soon?
Airfares are expected to remain high throughout the peak holiday season.
Prices may start easing once summer vacations end and travel demand returns to normal levels.
Until then, travelers may need to plan ahead and book early if they want to save money on their trips.
