Holi, which falls in early March this year, traditionally sees a surge in travel. Migrant workers and students head home, and families book last-minute tickets. As demand rises, fares increase. This time, however, the jump has been steep.
Fares up to 185% higher
Data from booking platforms shows ticket prices on key routes have risen by as much as 185% compared with fares for dates just two weeks later. A Bengaluru–Gorakhpur ticket for 28 February is currently listed at about ₹20,829, excluding taxes. The same route falls to roughly ₹8,000 in mid-March.
The pattern is visible on routes linking Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru with cities in eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, corridors that see heavy festive travel each year.
Airlines follow dynamic pricing: as demand increases and seats fill up, fares rise. Around major festivals such as Holi, this trend is common. What stands out this year is the scale of the increase and the limited alternatives, as train tickets on popular routes are already waitlisted.
“Very serious concern”, says Supreme Court
On Monday, a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta took note of petitions alleging arbitrary fare fixation. According to Bar and Bench reports, the court said, “This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain Article 32 petition.”
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik told the bench that the matter is being examined “at the highest level”. He sought four weeks to file a detailed affidavit outlining the steps taken.
“The Solicitor General has also called a meeting. We are in discussion with the highest authorities,” Kaushik said, requesting time to submit a response.
The court granted the request and listed the matter for 23 March.
What it means for flyers
For now, there is no immediate relief from high fares. With the hearing weeks away and peak travel days approaching, passengers must navigate limited seats and elevated prices.
