Air travel across India is becoming significantly more expensive as carriers adjust their schedules for the final quarter of the year. Passengers booking domestic trips between October and December are encountering much higher ticket prices, driven by a combination of reduced flight frequencies and additional carrier fees.
Data compiled by international aviation analytics provider OAG reveals that domestic airlines have scheduled five percent fewer flights for the upcoming three-month period compared to the final quarter of last year. Despite the reduction in scheduled departures, overall seat capacity has decreased by a mere 1.2 percent. This shift demonstrates that carriers are relying less on smaller planes and are instead deploying larger aircraft capable of carrying more passengers per trip.
The restructuring of flight schedules has coincided with noticeable spikes in ticket costs on several major domestic routes. According to recent travel data, the popular route connecting Delhi and Hyderabad has seen airfares surge by an extraordinary 68 percent. Other heavily traveled corridors are experiencing similar upward price pressures as demand remains strong heading into the festive and holiday travel season.
Adding to the financial strain on travelers, leading budget carrier IndiGo has implemented a fuel surcharge increase. Passengers flying with the airline will now face extra charges ranging up to 350 rupees, depending on the distance of the journey. The adjustment is designed to help airlines offset persistent fluctuations in aviation turbine fuel expenses.
Industry experts note that while the deployment of larger aircraft helps maintain overall seat availability, the drop in actual flight frequencies reduces scheduling flexibility for business and leisure travelers. With fewer flights operating each day, seats on remaining services are filling up faster, which naturally pushes fares higher.
The aviation sector typically experiences peak demand during the final quarter of the year due to major festivals, cooler weather, and end-of-year holidays. Travelers planning trips during this busy period are being advised to book well in advance to avoid the most extreme price hikes. Airlines continue to monitor passenger demand closely and may adjust capacity further if market conditions warrant additional changes before the end of the year.
Reporting based on coverage first published by The Times of India. Read the original report at The Times of India.
