Airfares from Ahmedabad have increased by at least 30% compared to last year, driven by fewer flights, airspace restrictions and rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Travellers booking domestic flights around 10 days in advance are now paying ₹10,000 or more for return tickets on most major routes, except for a few destinations such as Mumbai.
The reduction in flight operations is evident at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, where domestic flight movements declined by about 5% during April and May 2026 compared to the same period last year, while international flight movements dropped by 24%.
Airport sources said daily flight movements have fallen from around 310 in February to 200–220 in July, reducing seat availability and keeping fares high.
International Travel Gets Costlier
International travellers are facing even steeper prices. Return fares from Ahmedabad to the US and Canada have risen to ₹1.5–1.8 lakh, while tickets to popular destinations such as Thailand and Vietnam now cost more than ₹40,000 per person for a return journey.
Rising Costs Impact Travel Plans
Travel operators say the surge in airfares is affecting holiday plans, with many people opting for road trips instead of flights, especially during upcoming long weekends around Independence Day.
Industry experts also cited geopolitical uncertainties, airspace restrictions and inflation as factors that affected summer travel demand. They expect travel demand and fares to stabilise ahead of the Diwali season.
Experts added that disruptions have been more severe on international routes, where limited connectivity and airspace closures have forced passengers to choose longer or more expensive itineraries.
With reduced flight capacity and higher ATF prices, airlines have limited scope to lower fares. Industry stakeholders are now watching whether additional flights will be introduced on high-demand routes ahead of the festive travel season.