Airfares Surge Ahead of Diwali and Onam

Airfares for the upcoming Diwali festival season are experiencing significant increases, with average one-way prices climbing by 10-25% on key domestic routes. For instance, the average fare from Delhi to Chennai has surged to ₹7,618, while the Mumbai-Hyderabad route now costs ₹5,162, marking a 21% increase. This rise in prices is attributed to high demand during peak travel times, coupled with a limited capacity as airlines reduce scheduled flights, exacerbated by operational issues affecting some aircraft. Additionally, certain routes to Kerala for Onam are witnessing even steeper fare hikes, with some experiencing increases of up to 30%. The Civil Aviation Minister has announced plans for an online grievance redressal mechanism to address concerns regarding these fare spikes. Despite the high costs, demand for air travel remains strong, with many travelers still eager to book flights for the festive season.