Travellers planning a last-minute Diwali holiday may have to spend significantly more on flights, as return airfares from Ahmedabad have surged on several domestic and international routes. The return fare to Jabalpur has increased from ₹10,000–12,000 in October to ₹45,000–50,000 in November, while tickets to Chennai now cost ₹35,000–40,000. On international routes, return fares to Bali have nearly doubled to around ₹85,000.
The sharp rise in fares comes amid strong festive demand and limited availability of train tickets, leaving last-minute travellers with fewer affordable travel options.
Jabalpur and Dehradun Fares Soar
Manisha Upadhyay of Travel Gallery said destinations such as Gangtok, Darjeeling and Pelling are attracting holidaymakers. Wildlife destinations, including Bandhavgarh, Kanha and Pachmarhi, are also popular, while Uttarakhand, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh continue to draw travellers.
“Return airfares on busy routes from Ahmedabad have increased by up to 2.5 times during the Diwali period in November compared with October,” Upadhyay said.
Apart from Jabalpur and Chennai, return fares to Dehradun have climbed to ₹45,000–50,000. Tickets to Goa have increased from around ₹12,000 to ₹34,000, while fares to Bengaluru have risen from ₹12,000 to ₹25,000.
Return tickets to Delhi have also nearly doubled, reaching approximately ₹21,000.
Vietnam and Bali Attract Gujarati Travellers
Changing travel preferences are also influencing overseas holiday plans. While Europe and Dubai have traditionally been popular among Gujarati travellers, Vietnam and Bali are emerging as alternatives for those seeking beach holidays and scenic destinations.
Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam is among the destinations gaining attention. However, rising demand during the festive season has pushed up international airfares as well.
A return ticket from Ahmedabad to Bali, which cost around ₹45,000 in October, now costs approximately ₹85,000. Similarly, the return fare to Hanoi has increased from ₹29,000 to around ₹55,000.
Last-Minute Bookings Become Expensive
With train seats becoming difficult to secure and affordable flights increasingly limited during the festive period, travellers who delay their bookings may have to reconsider their destinations or travel dates.
Booking tickets in advance and remaining flexible with travel plans can help holidaymakers manage costs during the Diwali rush.