Diwali travel is getting expensive, as airfares take off 

For millions of Indians, Diwali means going home. This year, however, the journey home could cost considerably more, with airfares climbing sharply on several domestic and international routes ahead of the festival. 

Diwali falls on November 8 this year, and the familiar combination of concentrated demand and limited seats is already showing up in ticket prices. On some routes, one-way fares are close to or crossing ₹20,000, while certain regional sectors have seen prices rise by more than 300%. 

The sharpest increases are being seen where travellers have relatively few alternatives. Kolkata-Deoghar, for instance, has seen fares rise from around ₹2,800 normally to approximately ₹12,500 during the Durga Puja period, an increase of about 340%. Delhi-Patna fares that typically range between ₹3,500 and ₹4,500 have crossed ₹12,500 on peak dates, according to data cited by NDTV. 

The pressure is not confined to domestic travel. Indians living in the UAE and planning to return home for the festive season are also facing significantly higher fares. Flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to Delhi on November 5 were already showing substantially elevated prices, with some fares crossing Dh2,000 on certain airlines and routes. 

Fuel adds another layer of pressure 

Demand is only part of the story. Aviation turbine fuel, or ATF, remains one of the biggest operating costs for airlines, and its price in India was raised by ₹6.28 per litre in September, a 5.46% increase, taking the price from ₹115 to ₹121.28 per litre. 

Global crude prices have also been under pressure amid geopolitical tensions, adding to concerns over airline operating costs. Higher fuel costs can eventually feed into ticket prices, although the final fare is also shaped by demand, competition, available capacity, and how quickly cheaper fare buckets sell out. 

India’s airfare system is market-driven, with airlines using multiple fare buckets that become progressively more expensive as lower-priced seats are sold. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has previously explained that fares reflect factors including demand, seasonality, operating costs, and prevailing market conditions. 

For passengers, timing may therefore matter almost as much as destination. Booking well ahead of the festive rush, travelling on less popular dates, considering midweek departures, and checking nearby airports can help reduce the bill. For domestic journeys, trains may also offer a more economical alternative where practical. 

The annual Diwali homecoming is unlikely to disappear from India’s travel calendar. But this year, travellers may have to decide how much they are willing to pay for the privilege of being home when the diyas are lit.