Domestic flight fares in India are climbing ahead of the festive and year end travel period. Average one-way fares on several major routes have increased sharply compared with last year, with Delhi–Hyderabad recording a 68% rise for travel between September 1 and November 10.
The increase is not limited to one route. Average airfares are up 51% on Mumbai–Kolkata, 39% on Delhi–Goa, and 37% on Mumbai–Bengaluru as festive travel demand picks up. Reduced flight schedules on some routes and higher aviation fuel costs are adding further pressure to ticket prices.
For Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas, and New Year trips, flight prices tend to get tougher as the travel dates get closer.
Airfares Rise on Major Indian Domestic Routes
The latest fare comparison shows significant year-on-year increases across several popular domestic sectors.
| Domestic route | Increase in average one-way fare |
| Delhi–Hyderabad | 68% |
| Mumbai–Kolkata | 51% |
| Delhi–Goa | 39% |
| Mumbai–Bengaluru | 37% |
The comparison covers flights for travel between September 1 and November 10. The increases vary by route rather than affecting every domestic sector equally.
Why Are Domestic Flight Fares Rising in India?
Three factors are pushing up domestic airfares this festive season: higher passenger demand, changes in flight frequency, and rising fuel costs.
Festive Travel Is Pushing Up Demand
Durga Puja, Diwali, and the year-end holidays bring a surge in domestic travel. People living away from their hometowns head home for the holidays, while leisure travellers add more pressure on popular routes.
Goa remains a popular festive destination, with bookings up 10% year on year. Leh, Dehradun, and Amritsar are also drawing more travellers during the season.
Flights between major cities are busy too. Delhi–Mumbai, Delhi–Bengaluru, Mumbai–Delhi, and Mumbai–Bengaluru are among the busy routes, along with connections between major metros and Patna and Kochi.
Airlines Are Scheduling Fewer Flights
India’s domestic flight schedule for the October–December quarter contains about 5% fewer flights than the same period last year.
However, the number of available seats is down only 1.2%. Airlines are using larger aircraft on some services to maintain overall capacity despite operating fewer individual flights.
That distinction matters for passengers.
A route could still have a substantial number of seats available overall but offer fewer departure times. During a busy festival period, losing a morning or evening service reduces flexibility for travellers who need to travel on a specific date.
Fewer Flights Can Mean Fewer Choices for Travelers
The reduction in flight frequency is not happening uniformly across India. Some routes are gaining capacity while others are losing services. Mumbai–Jamnagar capacity has increased substantially, while Ahmedabad–Kolkata and Hyderabad–Jaipur have recorded capacity declines.
For passengers, the number of available departures on their preferred date matters just as much as the total number of seats across a market.
Once lower-priced fare categories sell out, the remaining tickets are priced at higher levels. That becomes noticeable when several travelers are searching for the same route around a festival weekend.
Higher Jet Fuel Costs Are Adding to Airline Expenses
Fuel is another major expense for airlines. Domestic aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices rose by ₹16 per litre on October 1, from around ₹121 to ₹137 per litre. Prices had also increased in August and September. According to ICRA, fuel accounts for roughly 30% to 40% of airline operating costs.
Airlines are already factoring the higher fuel costs into their pricing. IndiGo increased fuel charges for new domestic and international bookings from October 6, 2026, with the domestic surcharge varying by flight distance. The airline attributed the change to higher ATF prices.
Higher fuel costs don’t mean every flight will see the same fare increase. Ticket prices also depend on demand, available seats, and how many lower-priced tickets are still left on a flight.
Will Domestic Airfares Rise Further Before the Holidays?
Will Domestic Airfares Rise Further Before the Holidays?
Domestic airfares could rise further as the holiday season gets closer, particularly on popular routes where flight capacity is limited.
Domestic fares are already 30% to 40% higher than last year, and fares on high-demand routes could rise another 15% to 20% closer to departure, especially where fewer seats are available.
That doesn’t mean every route will see the same increase. Fares still depend on the route, travel date, airline, and seats remaining on the flight.
For travelers with fixed festive travel dates, waiting until the last few days could mean fewer flight choices and higher fares. Those with flexible dates have more room to move their departure or return date when prices jump.
How Can Travelers Manage Higher Flight Prices?
Higher fares don’t mean you have to change your travel plans. Check nearby travel dates, different departure times, and multiple airlines before booking. Travelers with fixed dates should book before their preferred flights fill up, while those with some flexibility can shift their departure or return by a day or two around Diwali, Christmas, or New Year. Looking beyond one festival date gives you more flight schedules and fare options.
What Does Rising Domestic Airfare Mean for International Travelers?
Travelers flying to India from the USA, Canada, and other countries could also face higher costs if their trip includes a domestic connection. If you’re flying to Delhi or Mumbai and then continuing to Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, or another city, check the onward domestic flight before booking your full itinerary. Higher domestic fares can push up the total trip cost, especially around Diwali and the year-end holidays. For flights from USA to India, check both your international arrival city and onward domestic connection before booking.
What Travelers Should Know Before Booking Festive Flights
India’s festive travel season is already putting pressure on airfares. Major domestic routes have recorded year-on-year fare increases of 37% to 68%, while airlines are operating fewer scheduled flights during the October–December quarter. Larger aircraft are keeping overall seat capacity relatively stable, but higher ATF prices and new fuel charges are adding to airline costs.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple: check different dates, routes, airlines, and departure times before booking. If you’re traveling for Diwali, Christmas, or New Year, start with your preferred dates and check a day or two before and after them.
Planning an international trip? Check TripBeam flight deals and look at the domestic connection separately if your final destination is outside Delhi, Mumbai, or another major international gateway.