With the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya just around the corner on January 22, there has been a remarkable surge in flight prices from various cities, notably Bengaluru. The demand for tickets has spiked, leading to a significant increase in airfares, leaving many travelers grappling with the soaring costs.
According to reports, flight tickets from Bengaluru to Ayodhya have witnessed an unprecedented surge of nearly 400%.
The cheapest one-way ticket for a flight on January 20 is now priced at a staggering Rs 24,000, with only a few seats remaining as most tickets were sold out well in advance. The most expensive ticket for the same route is priced at Rs 29,700, reflecting a 395% increase, and includes a layover in Ahmedabad.
Despite the consecration ceremony being invite-only, common people have made plans to witness the historic event, contributing to the high demand for flights. Notably, Bengaluru-Ayodhya air tickets are at their costliest on Saturday, January 20, followed by Friday, January 19, and Sunday, January 21, with prices starting from Rs 21,500 and Rs 10,000, respectively.
Air India Express is set to operate thrice-weekly direct flights from Bengaluru to Ayodhya starting January 17, providing pilgrims from South India with convenient one-stop itineraries. However, most travelers will need to spend at least six to eight hours on their journey, with stopovers in cities like New Delhi, Gwalior, Mumbai, or Ahmedabad.
The surge in flight demand has not only affected air travel but has also extended to the hotel and hospitality sector in Ayodhya. Hotels are reportedly fully booked, allowing them to capitalize on increased pricing. Occupancy rates have risen from 80% to 100%, resulting in substantial price hikes, with some reaching up to Rs 70,000 per night in select hotels.
Nishant Pitti, CEO of EaseMyTrip, mentioned that Ayodhya is undergoing significant infrastructural growth, with plans for 73 new properties, including 40 currently under construction. Major hotel groups, such as Radisson Hotel Group, have announced new openings in Ayodhya ahead of the consecration ceremony.
The surge in demand is not limited to flights; even hotel room rates have jumped by 4-5 times, with less than 1,500 operational hotel rooms available in Ayodhya. As a result, visitors are experiencing challenges in finding accommodation during the period leading up to the temple opening.
