Air Travel Becomes Expensive This Diwali Despite GST Relief; Fares Up to 50% Higher – Check Route-Wise Prices
New Delhi: This Diwali, air travel is becoming significantly more expensive. On major routes, fares have increased by up to 52% compared to last year. Routes such as Mumbai–Patna, Delhi–Kolkata, and Bengaluru–Lucknow have seen substantial increases. The reasons include reduced flight supply due to Air India cutbacks, limited flights, and a weaker rupee.
Flight Fares Spike During Diwali
On September 3, 2025, the GST Council announced the removal of two GST slabs, a move aimed at reducing the cost of daily essentials. While this step was expected to give common people some relief ahead of the festival, airlines have offset this benefit, and airfare during Diwali has skyrocketed. Ticket prices have increased by over 50% on several popular routes, making travel difficult for many passengers during the festive week.
How Much Have Fares Increased?
North India, especially UP and Bihar, is witnessing major fare hikes. According to ixigo data, average fares during Diwali week this year are:
-
Mumbai–Patna: ₹14,540 (up from ₹11,000 last year) → +32%
-
Bengaluru–Lucknow: ₹9,899 (up from ₹6,720) → +47%
-
Mumbai–Lucknow: ₹10,264 (up from ₹6,974) → +47%
-
Delhi–Kolkata: ₹9,377 (up from ₹6,861) → +37%
-
Delhi–Pune: ₹7,921 (up from ₹6,050) → +31%
Other routes with notable increases include:
| Route | 2024 Average Fare | 2025 Average Fare | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai–Hyderabad | ₹5,047 | ₹5,823 | +15% |
| Mumbai–Chennai | ₹6,216 | ₹7,291 | +14% |
| Ahmedabad–Delhi | ₹5,604 | ₹6,363 | +14% |
| Delhi–Bengaluru | ₹8,695 | ₹10,254 | +18% |
| Mumbai–Goa | ₹4,025 | ₹4,386 | +9% |
| Mumbai–Bengaluru | ₹4,387 | ₹4,910 | +12% |
Why Are Fares Rising?
In October 2025, airlines will operate 22,209 domestic flights per week, which is 3% fewer than last year.
-
Air India is reducing flights on several routes due to its aircraft upgrade project.
-
IndiGo has added some flights, but the increase is limited.
High demand with limited supply is pushing ticket prices up.
Impact of Weak Rupee and Fuel Costs
A weaker rupee and high aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices are further increasing fares. Many airline costs are dollar-denominated, so a strong dollar raises expenses, which are then passed on to passengers.
