Patna: The rush to return home for Diwali and Chhath is beginning to put additional pressure on travellers’ budgets, with airfares from Delhi to Bihar and other major cities rising sharply amid growing demand.
With confirmed train tickets increasingly difficult to secure, many travellers are turning to flights. Airfares on several routes are currently significantly higher than their reported normal levels and could rise further as the festive period approaches.
Delhi-Patna fares cross Rs 9,500
Travellers flying from Delhi to Patna during the festival period could face substantially higher fares.
Tickets for November 5 are available for around Rs 8,391, while fares rise to approximately Rs 9,231 on November 6 and Rs 9,546 on November 7.
The usual fare on the Delhi-Patna route is reported to be around Rs 5,500, meaning passengers are currently paying considerably more for travel during the festive period.
Delhi-Darbhanga fares surge
The increase is even more pronounced on the Delhi-Darbhanga route.
With the normal fare reported at around Rs 5,700, tickets are priced at approximately:
- November 5: Rs 6,268
- November 6: Rs 7,318
- November 7: Rs 13,601
The November 7 fare represents more than twice the reported normal fare.
Delhi-Ranchi fares also rise
The festival rush is also reflected in fares between Delhi and Ranchi.
Against a reported normal fare of around Rs 6,000, tickets are priced at approximately Rs 10,619 on November 5 and Rs 9,983 on November 6.
The fare drops to around Rs 6,771 on November 7.
More pressure expected ahead of Chhath
The surge in demand is linked to the large number of people working or living outside Bihar who travel home for Chhath.
With Patna, Darbhanga and Gaya among the key destinations for festival travel, airfares on flights to Bihar could rise further as seats fill up.
The combination of limited confirmed train availability and increasing airfares is likely to make this year’s festive journey home more expensive for many travellers.
