Patna : Travellers returning from Bihar to other cities after Chhath Puja may have to pay significantly more for air tickets, with fares from Patna rising sharply for November 17. The airfare from Patna to Delhi has reached Rs 34,665 on Air India, while IndiGo tickets on the same route are priced at Rs 26,037.
The increase is not limited to Delhi. Airfares from Patna to Ahmedabad and Chennai have also crossed Rs 40,000 on some flights. The sharp rise comes as people prepare to return to their workplaces and educational institutions after the festival, increasing demand for available seats.
In comparison, a flight from Dubai to Delhi on November 17 is available for Rs 14,390, considerably less than the listed Air India fare from Patna to Delhi.
Patna Flight Fares To Major Cities On November 17
The reported fares for flights from Patna to five major cities on November 17 are:
| Destination | Air India | IndiGo |
| Ahmedabad | Rs 40,663 | Rs 40,463 |
| Chennai | Rs 40,424 | Rs 34,614 |
| Delhi | Rs 34,665 | Rs 26,037 |
| Kolkata | Rs 30,970 | Rs 26,909 |
| Mumbai | Rs 30,915 | Rs 31,434 |
The figures indicate substantial differences between airlines on some routes. Ahmedabad and Chennai are among the costliest destinations, while fares to Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai have also risen considerably.
Airfare Cap Ends After Chhath
During the Chhath festival period, the Central Government had imposed a cap on airfares to prevent excessive ticket prices. That arrangement has now ended, allowing airlines to set fares according to demand.
With a large number of passengers travelling out of Bihar after the festival and limited seats available on several flights, ticket prices have increased. The higher demand for travel to major employment and education centres is also contributing to the surge.
Train Passengers Also Face Seat Shortages
Travellers looking for cheaper alternatives are facing difficulties on the railway network as well. Several trains are already running with full reservation charts, making confirmed tickets difficult to obtain.
Despite the operation of special trains during the festive season, seat availability remains a concern on many routes. Passengers returning from Bihar after Chhath are therefore facing limited options, with expensive flight tickets and long waits for confirmed train seats adding to their travel difficulties.
