Flights To Bihar More Expensive Than Dubai, Bangkok Tickets Amid Chhath Puja Rush

Flight fares to Patna and Darbhanga are now crossed those for international destinations such as Dubai, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Singapore.

Representational Image | With Chhath Puja approaching, airfares to Bihar have surpassed those to international destinations. Demand has spiked, with limited ticket availability driving prices between Rs 13,000-18,000.

Source : Pexels

The demand for train and flight tickets to Bihar has significantly increased as Chhath Puja approaches. Reports indicate that airfares have soared for flights to Bihar and Jharkhand from various parts of the country, surpassing many international destinations.

According to a report by News 18, flight fares to Patna and Darbhanga are now crossed those for international destinations such as Dubai, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Singapore. Reports highlight a sharp rise in ticket prices for flights to Bihar from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Surat.

Travel agent Rakesh Arora explained that festive season fare hikes are typical, but this year’s increase is especially steep, with tickets still in limited supply. Fares from Delhi and Mumbai to Patna and Darbhanga now range between Rs 13,000 and Rs 18,000.

Similarly, flights from Surat to Patna for travel between November 4-6 are priced between Rs 13,000 and Rs 18,000. By contrast, international flights from Delhi to Dubai, Malaysia, Bangkok, and Singapore are currently priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000.

With Chhath Puja approaching, thousands from across the country travel to UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, resulting in crowded and fully booked trains. Travel agents report difficulty in securing tickets despite charging higher fees. This surge in airfare is temporary, with prices expected to stabilise after Chhath Puja.

Average Domestic Airfares Decline

Reports also revealed that average domestic airfares have dropped by 20-25 per cent compared to last year, due to increased capacity and recent declines in oil prices as Diwali and Chhath Puja approach.

As per the report of travel platform Ixigo, based on bookings made 30 days in advance, this figure shows average one-way fares, comparing data from November 10-16, 2023, with data from October 28-November 3, 2024.

In 2024, the average fare for a Bengaluru-Kolkata flight dropped by 38 per cent, from Rs 10,195 to Rs 6,319, while the Chennai-Kolkata route saw a 36 per cent reduction, from Rs 8,725 to Rs 5,604. The Mumbai-Delhi route also saw a 34 per cent drop, from Rs 8,788 to Rs 5,762.