Airfares on busy domestic routes are up by over 60 per cent year on year on rising travel demand. Airlines are reporting strong loads with the onset of school holidays. This is also a peak period for inbound travel and that is contributing to flight occupancy. Interestingly, four of the top five with highest fare rise originate from Bengaluru.

While air tickets purchased for Christmas–New Year travel were moderately priced when purchased 30 days in advance, fares have increased for bookings closer to date.

“Domestic travel bookings have risen by more than 50 per cent year-on-year while international travel has seen 80-100 per cent increase compared to the last year. Prices for air tickets booked 1-3 days before travel have seen a sharp increase compared to those booked 30 days in advance. For instance, a Delhi–Srinagar ticket that would have cost ₹7,782 when booked 30 days in advance costs ₹12,292 if purchased at the last minute,” said Aloke Bajpai, group CEO, ixigo.