For Indians planning to travel home for Diwali, the festive journey could come with a much higher airfare this year. International and domestic ticket prices have climbed sharply on several routes, with some fares rising by more than 300 per cent during the peak travel period.
According to a September 20 report by Gulf News, flights from the UAE to Delhi for November 5 were showing significantly higher fares.
From Dubai, fares started at Dh1,214 on IndiGo, Dh1,115 on Air India, Dh1,181 on Air India Express and Dh1,013 on SpiceJet.
From Sharjah, the starting fares listed were Dh1,034 on IndiGo, Dh1,695 on Air India, Dh1,883 on Air India Express and Dh2,064.80 on SpiceJet.
Flights from Abu Dhabi to Delhi were available from Dh1,245 on IndiGo, Dh1,435 on Air India and Dh1,243.13 on Air India Express.
Crude oil prices add to airline costs
Fuel prices are among the factors affecting airfares. Global crude oil prices have risen amid fresh tensions between the United States and Iran.
Business Insider reported that several major US airline executives, including those from United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, have indicated that fewer flights could be operated during the holiday season, with higher fares potentially being used to offset increased fuel costs.
Domestic travel within India is also becoming more expensive as demand rises ahead of the festive season.
Some domestic fares rise over 300%
A recent post on X highlighted the increase in fares on the Delhi-Bengaluru route.
"I swear Delhi-Bangalore used to be around Rs 13K for a Diwali round trip just 2 years ago. Now it's easily Rs 20K+. What happened to flight prices?"
The post prompted users to discuss fuel costs and airfare increases. One user commented, "Check the crude prices," while another wrote, "The main reason for flight price increases is due to inflated fuel prices, and companies are trying to recover the losses during the US-Iran war."
According to Moneycontrol, Kolkata-Deoghar fares that are usually around Rs 2,800 have climbed to Rs 12,500 during the Durga Puja period — an increase of around 340 per cent.
ATF hike adds pressure
Aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices were increased by Rs 6.28 per litre in September, or 5.46 per cent, taking the rate from Rs 115 to Rs 121.28 per litre.
Higher fuel costs can raise airline operating expenses, although ticket prices also depend on demand, competition and seat availability.
How travellers can save on Diwali flights
Travel search aggregator Skyscanner recommends setting fare alerts, considering midweek departures and travelling on Diwali day when possible. Travellers can also compare nearby airports, travel light to avoid baggage charges and consider trains for domestic journeys.
Booking return flights early may also help avoid paying substantially higher fares closer to the travel date.