The anticipation for the cricket World Cup final between India and Australia, scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad this Sunday (Nov 19), has led to a massive surge in airfares to the city.
Airfares to Ahmedabad from various destinations have witnessed a drastic increase compared to standard rates. For example, flights from Chennai, typically priced at around Rs 5,000, are now ranging between Rs 16,000 and Rs 25,000 due to the elevated demand for Ahmedabad-bound flights.
Airline booking engines indicate a surge in flight activity to Ahmedabad starting Saturday, November 18th itself. Airlines are redirecting flights through alternate destinations such as Bengaluru or Delhi.
Flight tickets to Ahmedabad Shoot up to Rs 39,000!
Flights from Delhi to Ahmedabad are priced between Rs 14,000 and Rs 39,000, while those between Mumbai and Ahmedabad range from Rs 10,000 to Rs 32,000. A similar trend is observed for flights from Bengaluru, with fares varying between Rs 26,999 and Rs 33,000, as indicated by various booking portals.
For those planning to fly from Kolkata to Ahmedabad on November 18th, fares have surged to Rs 40,000, reflecting the heightened demand for this specific date.
The demand extends to Vadodara, Ahmedabad’s neighboring district, accessible by a two-hour road journey. Flights to Vadodara from Mumbai and Delhi have experienced a significant spike in fares, reaching unprecedented levels.
ICC World Cup 2023 Final: Airlines introduce extra flights to meet surging demand
Airlines are responding to the heightened demand, limited seat availability, and soaring fares by taking proactive measures. Some carriers are introducing additional flights specifically for the upcoming cricket match. Vistara, for instance, is increasing its frequency between Delhi and Ahmedabad on both the 18th and 20th of November to accommodate the surge in onward and return traffic related to the match.
Both IndiGo and Vistara have arranged one extra flight each between Mumbai and Ahmedabad for the two days, according to media reports. IndiGo is further expanding its services with additional flights on the Bengaluru-Ahmedabad and Hyderabad-Ahmedabad routes. The possibility of more airlines joining this effort remains open, contingent on seat sales in the coming hours.
Amidst challenging conditions, fans all over the country are actively pursuing tickets via diverse avenues. The shortage of available hotel rooms compounds the situation, possibly prompting the introduction of extra flights on Sunday morning to aid individuals holding match tickets but encountering difficulties in securing accommodations.