Surge in Airfare Amid IndiGo Flight Cancellations Across India
Significant Increase in Airfares
The recent mass cancellations of IndiGo flights throughout India have led to a dramatic rise in airfares on several key domestic routes, reaching unprecedented levels as travelers seek alternatives. According to data from a popular booking platform, there has been a notable spike in prices for routes from Delhi to major metropolitan areas and state capitals, with the cost of non-stop flights on the same day doubling compared to available rates on nearby dates.
Booking Insights from MakeMyTrip
Data from the booking platform reveals that on December 6, the lowest fare for a Delhi-Bengaluru flight exceeded ₹40,000, with some options priced over ₹80,000. For travelers wishing to fly from Delhi to Mumbai on the same day, the minimum fare is ₹36,107, while the maximum can exceed ₹56,000. For return flights to the national capital, passengers will need to pay at least ₹23,000, with the highest fares reaching over ₹37,000. On the Delhi-Chennai route, last-minute fares have soared to between ₹62,000 and ₹82,000.
Comparative Fare Analysis
For those traveling from Delhi to Guwahati, the lowest fare stands at ₹23,998, while the highest is ₹35,015. To put this into perspective, a flight from Delhi to Dubai on December 6 is priced at approximately ₹25,855, making international travel cheaper than flying between two Indian cities. Similarly, tickets from Bengaluru to Dubai are available for around ₹15,000. In comparison, a flight from Delhi to Bangkok will cost about ₹18,747.
Operational Disruptions and Future Expectations
Following these disruptions, IndiGo has faced significant operational challenges, with over 500 flights delayed or canceled nationwide, resulting in crowded airports and stranded passengers. All IndiGo flights from Delhi were canceled by midnight, although other airlines continued their operations as scheduled. While IndiGo works to stabilize its operations, travel platforms suggest that fares are expected to normalize in the coming days, as indicated by significantly lower prices for Delhi routes from December 9 to 12.