Air travel has become significantly more expensive during the Diwali festive season, putting additional pressure on passengers' budgets. Domestic airfares have increased by an average of 30 to 40 per cent compared with the same period last year, while some routes have witnessed a rise of up to 50 per cent or more.
 

The sharp increase in ticket prices has also attracted the attention of a parliamentary committee, which has expressed concern over the continued rise in airfares and sought explanations from airline representatives.
 

According to a report comparing ticket prices for travel between September 1 and November 10 this year with the corresponding period last year, the Delhi-Hyderabad route recorded the steepest increase of 68 per cent.
 

Other major routes have also witnessed substantial fare hikes. Ticket prices on the Mumbai-Kolkata route increased by 51 per cent, while Delhi-Goa fares rose by 39 per cent. The Mumbai-Bengaluru route recorded a 37 per cent increase.
 

Travel industry companies have also reported that international flight fares have gone up by approximately 30 to 50 per cent.
 

Airlines Explain Reasons Behind Rising Airfares
 

During a meeting of the parliamentary committee, representatives of IndiGo and Air India identified higher aviation fuel prices and Pakistan's restrictions on the use of its airspace as two major reasons behind the increase in airfares.
 

The airspace restrictions have forced several flights to follow longer routes, increasing fuel consumption and overall operational expenses. These additional costs have contributed to higher ticket prices for passengers.
 

Higher Aviation Fuel Costs Add to Airlines' Expenses
 

Aviation fuel prices have also increased over the past few months, creating additional financial pressure on airlines. Fuel accounts for a significant share of an airline's total operating expenditure, making fluctuations in its prices an important factor in determining ticket fares.
 

Apart from fuel costs, a reduction in the number of flights and available seats has also affected airfare trends.
 

With passenger demand rising during the festive period, limited seat availability has further contributed to higher ticket prices on several routes.
 

IndiGo Reports Loss of ₹1,879.1 Crore
 

The airline industry's financial challenges have also come into focus amid the rising airfares.
 

IndiGo reported a loss of ₹1,879.1 crore during the September quarter. Meanwhile, Air India's losses in the financial year 2025-26 nearly doubled compared with the previous year.
 

The parliamentary committee reviewed the rising airfares and the financial difficulties faced by airlines. It also emphasised the need to safeguard passengers' interests in the aviation sector.
 

The sharp increase in domestic and international ticket prices during the festive season has once again brought attention to airfare affordability and the factors influencing airline operating costs.