Patna: Passengers traveling to and from Bihar are facing steep airfares, with ticket prices soaring to three to four times the usual rates—much earlier than the expected surge around Holi or Diwali. This sharp increase has left travelers scrambling for affordable options, with fares on some domestic routes now exceeding international flights.
Soaring Ticket Prices
The most drastic hikes have been recorded on routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru to Bihar’s key airports in Patna and Darbhanga.
- Delhi to Darbhanga – The maximum fare on February 15 has hit Rs 17,500, up from the usual Rs 5,000–6,000.
- Delhi to Patna – Travelers are being charged up to Rs 17,250, significantly higher than the Rs 4,000–5,000 range on normal days. For perspective, a Delhi-Dubai flight costs around Rs 14,000.
- Mumbai to Patna – The fare for February 16 has surged to Rs 19,776, more than double the usual Rs 7,000–8,000.
- Mumbai to Darbhanga – Passengers are shelling out Rs 20,081, compared to the normal Rs 7,000–8,000.
- Bengaluru to Patna – The fare has reached a staggering Rs 23,040, up from the typical Rs 5,000–6,000 range.
What’s Driving the Surge?
According to travel industry experts, the ongoing Kumbh Mela has significantly increased passenger traffic, leading to overcrowding in trains and a surge in demand for flights. With limited rail tickets available, many passengers are opting for air travel, allowing airlines to capitalize on the situation by raising fares.
The sudden and steep price jump has left travelers frustrated, particularly those who rely on air travel due to the lack of confirmed train tickets. With Holi still weeks away, passengers fear that fares may climb even higher as the festival approaches.
