The peak wedding season in Bihar has triggered a massive surge in demand for air travel, severely impacting the country's air routes. With professionals returning home from major metropolitan hubs like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata—and subsequently rushing back after ceremonies—demand has skyrocketed. Consequently, airlines have increased ticket prices by 4 to 5 times, placing a significant strain on travelers' budgets.
The "London" Comparison
In a surprising development, domestic travel from Patna to Kolkata has become more expensive than international travel to London.
Delhi To London (1 month ago): Approximately Rs 30,000.
Patna To Kolkata (Current): Surpassed Rs 66,000.
Route-wise Fare Breakdown
According to data from MakeMyTrip, expatriates booking flights in large numbers have allowed airlines to capitalise on the sudden demand. Below is the breakdown of the surging prices across key sectors:
Patna To Kolkata
This route has seen the most drastic increase.
- Flight: Air India (AI 2790, AI 2643 via Mumbai).
- Current Fare: Rs 66,765.
- Normal Fare: Rs 4,000 – Rs 5,000.
- Increase: Approximately 15 times higher than usual.
Patna To Delhi
- Flight: Air India (AI 2790, AI 9487).
- Current Fare: Rs 51,332.
- Normal Fare: Rs 5,000 – Rs 6,000.
Patna To Bengaluru
- Current Fare: Over Rs 60,000.
- Normal Fare: Approx. Rs 7,000.
Patna To Mumbai
- Non-stop Flight: Rs 40,000.
- Flight with Stopover: Over Rs 50,000.
Patna To Chennai
- Current Fare: Surpassed Rs 50,000.
Expert Analysis And Passenger Impact
Airline experts note that while fare hikes are common during Bihar's wedding season, the demand this year is exceptionally high. The exorbitant prices have made air travel unaffordable for the average person, forcing many to seek alternative modes of transport such as trains or buses.