Diwali Travel Costs Spike: Delhi‑Bengaluru Flights Now Hover Around ₹20,000

When millions of Indians start penciling in trips to see family for Dussehra and Diwali, the first thing they notice isn’t the festive lights – it’s the ticket price. Social media feeds are awash with posts complaining that getting on a plane now feels a lot like buying a small gadget.

Take the Delhi‑Bengaluru corridor, for example. A traveler who goes by Arnav on X reminded us that just two years back a round‑trip ticket for the holiday hovered around ₹13,000. “Now it’s easily ₹20,000+,” he wrote, the frustration evident in his emojis. Within minutes, dozens of users chimed in, sharing similar stories of having to stretch budgets that were already tight.

One comment summed up a growing sentiment: “Every sector has been pricey since the war, and it hasn’t budged. International flights sometimes feel cheaper.” That remark hints at a broader backdrop – the Ukraine‑Russia conflict and the resulting surge in global fuel costs have left airlines grappling with higher expenses, which inevitably get passed on to passengers.

Fuel, of course, is the usual suspect. Several users pointed to the spike in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, questioning whether recent government caps were enough to cushion airlines. A few even recalled headlines about Indian carriers lobbying the government for relief, only to see the state absorb part of the loss.

Beyond fuel, experts on the thread highlighted a mix of structural factors. Limited competition on many domestic routes, a lingering duopoly in the market, and a stronger US dollar against the rupee all combine to push operating costs upward. Add to that the post‑pandemic travel boom – people are still eager to fly, and airlines are capitalising on that pent‑up demand.

All these threads weave together a picture of why the festive travel season feels pricier than ever. For families planning reunions, the higher fares mean re‑thinking budgets, perhaps opting for earlier bookings, alternative airports, or even switching to trains where possible.

Airlines, meanwhile, are watching the backlash closely. Some have hinted at limited‑time promotions, but whether those will be enough to calm the chatter remains to be seen. In the meantime, travelers are left juggling the joy of holiday celebrations with the sting of a heavier ticket price tag.