Airfares on the Ahmedabad–Delhi route shot up dramatically on December 5 and 6 after widespread IndiGo flight delays and cancellations, with ticket prices reaching nearly 15 times the normal rates.
Typically, a one-way ticket costs around ₹3,000. During the disruption, the lowest available fare rose to ₹23,648—almost 8 times higher—while the highest fare touched ₹44,838, nearly 15 times the usual price.
Fare surge snapshot:
- Normal fare: ₹3,000
- Lowest fare: ₹23,648 (7.9x)
- Air India morning: ₹29,548 (9.8x)
- Air India evening: ₹24,648 (8.2x)
- SpiceJet: ₹29,877 (9.9x)
- Highest fare (via Mumbai): ₹44,838 (14.9x)
Passengers said even basic economy seats were selling at premium rates, with last-minute prices approaching business-class levels.
IndiGo attributed the disruptions to pilot shortages and winter operational pressures. The airline has requested partial relaxation of the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms to stabilise schedules, noting that a full transition may take until February 2026.
The irregular schedules, sudden cancellations, and last-minute changes left passengers stranded at airports in Gujarat and other states, further driving the fare spike.