Diwali–Chhath travel turns pricey: Mumbai–Ranchi fares hit ₹22,000; Delhi–Patna tickets cross ₹9,000

Airfares have skyrocketed on several domestic routes due to heavy festive-season demand but limited flight capacity, especially in Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where Chhath Puja is celebrated.

This year, most states will celebrate Diwali on October 20, while a few will mark the festival a day later, on October 21.

According to online travel portals, ticket prices on Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Patna, Mumbai–Darbhanga and Mumbai-Ranchi have risen three to four times compared to average fares in September.

The minimum one-way airfare from New Delhi to Patna is more than ₹9,100 on October 17 and October 18, compared with about ₹4,000–₹6,000 during off-peak periods.

Flights from Mumbai to eastern cities show even steeper increases. The minimum Mumbai–Ranchi fare stands at around ₹19,000 on October 17 and ₹22,000 on October 18, while Mumbai–Purnea tickets for October 20 are priced over ₹22,000 per adult.

New Delhi–Patna fares appear relatively stable even close to Chhath Puja, with a minimum of ₹6,200 on October 24 (Friday). However, other eastern routes continue to see elevated airfares.

The New Delhi–Purnea flight on October 24 (Friday) is priced at ₹17,781, and there is no direct flight on October 25.

Government-owned regional carrier Alliance Air on Monday launched a new airfare scheme, 'Fares se Fursat,' aimed at giving passengers freedom from the stress of fluctuating airfares.

The scheme has been implemented on a pilot basis from October 13 -December 31, 2025, across select routes, to evaluate its operational feasibility and passenger response.

However, those flying to Bihar or Jharkhand during the festive season won't benefit from the scheme, given the limited routes Alliance Air operates on.