Airfares Soar on New Delhi–Patna Route Ahead of Diwali and Chhath, Causing Concern Among Travelers
Patna: As Diwali and Chhath, two of Bihar's biggest festivals, draw closer, airfares on the New Delhi–Patna route have started rising sharply, creating difficulties for thousands of passengers planning to travel home. Like every festive season, increased demand has led to a significant hike in ticket prices, making air travel more expensive for migrants, professionals, students, and families.
Under normal circumstances, airfare on the New Delhi–Patna route ranges between ₹5,500 and ₹6,500. However, with the festive rush beginning, ticket prices have already started climbing from November 1, with the lowest available fare on that day reaching ₹7,967. Industry experts believe fares may increase even further as Diwali and Chhath approach.
Heavy Rush of Travelers During the Festive Season
Diwali and Chhath are among the most celebrated festivals in Bihar, prompting lakhs of people living in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other metropolitan areas to return to their hometowns.
Every year, trains and flights witness an overwhelming rush during the festive season. Since railway tickets often remain fully booked with long waiting lists, many passengers opt for air travel, resulting in a sharp increase in demand for flight tickets.
Airfares Rise on the New Delhi–Patna Route
According to current booking trends, airfare on the route, which usually remains between ₹5,500 and ₹6,500, has already started increasing from the beginning of November.
For November 1, the lowest available fare is around ₹7,967, while tickets on several flights are priced significantly higher. In some cases, fares have already reached ₹10,000 to ₹15,000, depending on the airline and seat availability.
Travel experts believe that passengers booking at the last minute may have to pay even higher prices.
Demand-Driven Dynamic Pricing
Aviation experts explain that airlines follow a dynamic pricing model during peak travel seasons.
Under this system, ticket prices are determined by demand and seat availability. As flights begin to fill up and fewer seats remain, fares automatically increase.
This pricing strategy is one of the primary reasons why airfares rise sharply during major festivals.
Migrant Workers and Families Face Difficulties
Thousands of migrant workers, professionals, students, and business travelers from Bihar working in Delhi and surrounding regions are preparing to return home for the festive season.
Many passengers say that because railway tickets are unavailable, they have no option but to travel by air. However, the rising ticket prices have significantly increased their travel expenses.
Several travelers have urged the government and airlines to introduce additional flights and ensure reasonable fares during the festive period.
Long Waiting Lists on Trains
Most trains heading to Bihar during Diwali and Chhath are already witnessing long waiting lists.
As a result, a growing number of passengers are shifting to air travel, putting further pressure on airline ticket demand.
Indian Railways is also expected to operate special trains to manage the festive rush and provide additional travel options.
Early Booking Offers Better Prices
Travel experts advise passengers to book their tickets as early as possible.
Those who reserve seats well in advance generally pay lower fares, while last-minute bookings often cost significantly more.
Passengers with confirmed travel plans are encouraged to complete their bookings early to avoid steep price increases.
Airlines May Introduce Additional Flights
Given the sharp rise in demand during the festive season, airlines may increase the number of flights on the New Delhi–Patna route.
In previous years, several airlines introduced special flights during Diwali and Chhath to accommodate the surge in passenger traffic.
Travelers hope that similar measures this year will help ease demand and stabilize ticket prices.
Rising Financial Burden
The increase in airfare has placed an additional financial burden on middle-class families, salaried employees, and migrant workers.
Families traveling together may have to spend several thousand rupees more than usual on flight tickets.
Experts believe that increasing flight frequency could improve seat availability and help moderate fare levels.
Expectations from the Government and Regulators
Passengers believe that authorities should closely monitor excessive fare increases during the festive season.
Although airlines are generally free to determine ticket prices under market conditions, consumer groups argue that steps should be taken to protect passengers from unusually high fares during periods of exceptional demand.
With Diwali and Chhath approaching, airfares on the New Delhi–Patna route have risen significantly, making travel more expensive for thousands of passengers returning to Bihar. Ticket prices have already increased well above normal levels, and experts expect further hikes as the festivals draw nearer. Travelers are advised to book their tickets as early as possible to avoid paying substantially higher fares. Meanwhile, many passengers hope that airlines will introduce additional flights to meet growing demand and provide some relief during the festive travel season.
