Flight fares to Delhi have risen on some routes ahead of the CJP protest, after several trains were cancelled and restrictions were imposed on movement. The increase is affecting travellers making last-minute weekend plans, though the travel industry has not yet seen clear evidence of a large shift from trains and buses to aircraft.

Bookings for flights travelling to and from Delhi recorded a modest late surge for the weekend. Travel-industry representatives said fares were already elevated because festive-season demand was building before Navratri begins on Monday.

Varanasi fares reach 14,000 rupees

A senior official at a major online travel agency said late bookings from Lucknow, Prayagraj and other parts of Uttar Pradesh had not shown a major increase by Friday night. Varanasi was an exception, with Saturday fares to Delhi about 15% higher than a month earlier.

The Times of India reported that one-way tickets from Varanasi to Delhi listed on online travel platforms on Saturday began at 6,200 rupees and rose as high as 14,000 rupees. The travel official cautioned that it was too early to conclude that passengers were moving in large numbers from rail and bus services to flights.

Weekend flights were already seeing substantial bookings before the festive period, which had contributed to higher prices. That existing demand makes it difficult to separate the effect of the protest-related disruption from normal seasonal travel pressure.

Amritsar and Ludhiana see sharp fare movement

Fares from Amritsar increased rapidly on Friday. Some one-way tickets reached about 8,000 rupees, compared with a usual fare of around 4,000 rupees.

Prices on Saturday flights from Ludhiana also changed considerably during the day. The fare reached 12,987 rupees at one point, before falling to 4,301 rupees by 8 PM.

Travel agent Dalip in Amritsar said passengers with onward journeys already planned, particularly those catching international flights, had limited alternatives. Such travellers were buying costlier tickets to reduce the risk of a cancelled train or flight, or of missing a connecting flight.

Airport access is another concern

Airlines and Delhi airport authorities also face the challenge of getting passengers, crew members and other staff to Indira Gandhi International Airport on time. Expected disruption to Metro services and affected road traffic could make journeys to the airport more difficult.

Travel-industry representatives said fares could rise further if the protest continues for an extended period and demand for air travel increases. They also said operating costs were already elevated because of higher jet-fuel prices and a weaker rupee.

By Friday evening, there was no major change in flight or cab fares between Chandigarh and Delhi, according to the report. This indicates that fare movement was not uniform across every route connected with the capital.

Conclusion

The clearest fare increases were reported on the Varanasi–Delhi and Amritsar–Delhi routes, while industry representatives said it was still too early to confirm a broad shift from trains and buses to flights. Prolonged restrictions could put further pressure on airfares and airport access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why have some flights to Delhi become more expensive?

Train cancellations, movement restrictions and strong weekend demand before the festive season have coincided with higher fares on some routes.

Q. What was the highest reported Varanasi–Delhi fare?

A one-way Saturday ticket was listed at as much as 14,000 rupees.

Q. How much did some Amritsar–Delhi flights cost?

Some one-way fares reached about 8,000 rupees, compared with a usual fare of around 4,000 rupees.

Q. Did all routes to Delhi see major fare increases?

No. The report said there was no major change in flight or cab fares between Chandigarh and Delhi by Friday evening.

Q. Could fares rise further?

Travel-industry representatives said fares could increase if the protest continues and demand for flights grows.