The Perfect Storm for Your Wallet
If you've recently searched for a flight for Dussehra or Durga Puja, you've likely noticed that prices are significantly higher than usual. This isn't a random spike; it's the result of several converging factors. The primary driver is the rising cost
of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which constitutes up to 40% of an airline's total operating expenses. Indian oil companies have increased ATF prices for two consecutive months leading into the festive season. Compounding this is the fact that the government has confirmed it will not impose fare caps, unlike a brief period in late 2025 and early 2026. This allows airlines to price tickets based on soaring demand and higher operational costs, creating a perfect storm for expensive air travel just as millions plan to return home.
Mapping the October Rush
The travel rush isn't confined to a single weekend. October 2026 is packed with holidays that create several peak travel windows. The month kicks off with Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd, a national holiday that often prompts long-weekend trips. The main event, however, is the Durga Puja and Dussehra festival period, which will see travel demand peak between October 16th and 20th. This is when families travel extensively, particularly to states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, with Diwali falling on November 8th, many people begin their travel in late October. This sustained, month-long demand keeps pressure on seat availability and ensures that prices remain elevated throughout the period.
Not All Routes Are Created Equal
While fares are up across the board, some routes are experiencing astronomical increases. The sharpest hikes are on routes with limited airline competition. For instance, recent reports show fares from Kolkata to Deoghar for Durga Puja travel have surged by over 300%. Similarly, routes like Delhi to Patna and Bengaluru to Jharsuguda have seen ticket prices more than triple compared to off-peak rates. Flights into Kolkata are particularly expensive, with fares for travel around October 16th showing an average increase of over 70%. Even on major trunk routes with heavy competition, like Delhi to Mumbai or Delhi to Bengaluru, prices have seen a notable climb, though the percentage increase is less severe. The lesson is clear: if you are flying to a smaller city with fewer flight options, the urgency to book is even greater.
The Art of Timing Your Booking
In the world of festive flight booking, the early bird truly gets the worm. Travel experts generally advise booking festive season flights at least 60 to 90 days in advance to secure the best prices. With the October holidays already upon us, that window has closed. The current strategy should be to book as soon as your plans are confirmed. The belief in last-minute deals during high-demand periods like Dussehra and Diwali is largely a myth; airlines have little incentive to discount seats when they are confident the flights will be full. Prices will almost certainly continue to rise as the departure dates get closer. If you find a fare that fits your budget today, it is highly unlikely to be cheaper tomorrow.
Fly Smarter, Not Harder
While you can't change the market dynamics, you can adopt a smarter booking strategy to mitigate the costs. First, be as flexible as possible with your travel dates. Flying a day or two before or after the peak festival day can lead to significant savings. Flying on the main festival day itself, such as Dussehra, is often cheaper because most people want to have already arrived at their destination. Second, consider alternative airports. If a major airport is too expensive, check fares to a nearby, smaller airport and complete the journey by road or rail. Third, use technology to your advantage by setting up fare alerts for your specific route. This will notify you if there are any price drops, however minor. Finally, always book your return journey at the same time as your departure. Many travellers focus only on getting home, only to be shocked by the high cost of the return ticket when they try to book it later.
