Diwali Travel Costs Surge for Indian Flyers

Sep 20, 2026

75 min

Sep 20, 2026 16:30

Flying home for Diwali? Indian travellers face soaring festive airfares

## Rising Airfares for Diwali

As Diwali approaches, Indian travelers, including those in the UAE, are experiencing a significant increase in airfare prices. This surge affects both domestic flights within India and international routes between the UAE and major Indian cities.

## Impact on UAE-Based Travelers

Indian expatriates in the UAE are particularly affected, with flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah to cities like Delhi and Mumbai seeing higher prices. For instance, a Dubai-Delhi flight on November 5 costs between Dh1,013 and Dh2,467, depending on the airline and class.

## Domestic Flight Price Hike

Domestic routes in India are also witnessing elevated fares. For example, return flights from Delhi to cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru are priced between ₹13,000 and ₹18,000 around the Diwali weekend.

## Reasons Behind the Price Increase

The rise in airfares is attributed to dynamic pricing strategies by airlines, reduced domestic aviation capacity, and increased operating costs. In September, India's domestic scheduled capacity dropped by 5.6% compared to the previous year.

## Tips for Finding Cheaper Flights

Travelers are advised to compare fares across different dates and airlines, avoid peak travel days, and consider alternative airports or connecting flights. Booking early and tracking fare changes can also help secure better deals.

## Public Reaction

The steep prices have sparked discussions on social media, with many comparing current fares to those from previous years. Some attribute the increase to fuel costs and limited competition, while others call for government intervention to control prices.

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