Good news for air travelers!
This Diwali, domestic flight fares have become 20-25% cheaper on several popular routes compared to last year.
According to data from travel portal ixigo, the average one-way fare, based on a 30-day advance purchase date (APD),
has decreased due to expanded airline capacity and a recent dip in crude oil prices.
Bengaluru-Kolkata Route Records Biggest Price Drop
The Bengaluru-Kolkata route witnessed the steepest fare reduction. Average airfares dropped by 38%, falling to ₹6,319 from last year’s ₹10,195.
Other routes have also seen significant price drops:
Chennai-Kolkata: Fare reduced by 36% to ₹5,604 (previously ₹8,725)
Mumbai-Delhi: Now ₹5,762, a 34% drop from ₹8,788
Delhi-Udaipur: Reduced to ₹7,469, down from ₹11,296 (34% drop)
Delhi-Kolkata, Hyderabad-Delhi, and Delhi-Srinagar routes: All saw fares drop by 32%.
Why Airfares Have Dropped
Last year, flight prices surged around Diwali due to limited airline capacity, particularly following the suspension of Go First Airlines.
However, with more flights available this year, travelers are enjoying lower fares.
Alok Bajpai, Group CEO of ixigo, explained that the increased capacity and a 15% drop in crude oil prices contributed to the overall decline in airfares during the festive period.
Still, geopolitical tensions have kept oil prices slightly volatile.
Some Routes See Fare Increases
While many routes became cheaper, some airfares have gone up significantly. For example:
Ahmedabad-Delhi: Fares jumped by 34% to ₹8,758 from ₹6,533
Mumbai-Dehradun: Ticket prices rose by 33%, now costing ₹15,527 compared to last year’s ₹11,710.
Despite these increases on certain routes, overall trends suggest air travel is more affordable this Diwali, offering better options for travelers.
