Festive airfares soar: Mumbai-Patna costlier than Mumbai-Dubai

Higher fuel costs, a weaker rupee and airspace disruptions from the Middle East war have pushed airlines to raise fares ahead of Diwali and Chhath. The cheapest Mumbai-Patna ticket for November 7 costs Rs 23,333, nearly double a Mumbai-Dubai fare. DGCA data shows SpiceJet's domestic traffic fell 70% year-on-year in September, while ICRA expects deeper industry losses in FY27.