During the Chhath season, flying from Kolkata to places like Patna, Darbhanga, Ranchi, or Gorakhpur has become quite expensive, with rates rising to levels greater than a trip to Bangkok. According to The Times of India, domestic tickets to these locations have skyrocketed because of the increased demand for the event, even if a round-trip ticket to the Thai capital is only about Rs 16,000.
Airfares are Skyrocketing
An enormous influx of tourists returns home from Kolkata, which is home to a sizable migrant population from Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, during Chhath, a major celebration in the Hindi heartland. Airfares have increased exponentially as a result of the spike in demand
Patna: The normal rate of Rs 11,000 has more than doubled to Rs 20,000–25,000 for a two-way ticket leaving Kolkata on Tuesday. The cost of one-way tickets is Rs 15,000, which is over four times the usual price of Rs 4,000. Wednesday's fares were slightly less expensive, at Rs 11,581 for one way and Rs 16,000 for two.
Darbhanga: Round-trip tickets from Kolkata cost an incredible Rs 32,000 on Wednesday and Rs 27,000 on Thursday, which is over twice the normal Rs 15,000 charge. In contrast to the usual Rs 7,000, one-way rates vary from Rs 12,500 to Rs 18,500.
Ranchi: One-way rates varied from Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,500, while two-way fares from Kolkata were approximately Rs 16,000 on Tuesday and Rs 14,500 on Wednesday. The average one-way ticket is Rs 3,400, and the average round-trip fare is around Rs 7,500.
Gorakhpur: On Tuesday, a two-way ticket from Kolkata cost Rs 16,000, but on Wednesday, it dropped somewhat to Rs 15,500. One-way rates have increased from the customary Rs 5,300 to Rs 9,000–13,000, while regular round-trip fares are approximately Rs 10,500.
Increasing annoyance among passengers
These exorbitant costs have angered travelers, who have called them predatory. To control fares during the busiest travel seasons, many are urging the government to step in. To avoid the surge, some travelers chose to travel sooner or later, while others grudgingly bought tickets.
We find it challenging to go home for the festival because of the exorbitant costs. One of the passengers complained, "It feels unfair." Airlines, however, argue that the higher rate increases are justified by higher operating costs, such as staffing and logistics, over the holidays.
How to prevent increases in festive fares
Here are some suggestions for travelers looking to reduce their airfare during Chhath and other holiday seasons:
1. Purchase tickets three to five months in advance to guarantee reduced prices.
2. Travel in the middle of the week: When demand is lower, take flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays.
3. Steer clear of busy hours: Take flights at off-peak times.
4. Track fare trends: To find the most affordable travel days, use fare monitors.
5. Take into account other airports: Examine the costs at smaller airports close to your location.
