Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: Domestic airlines have significantly hiked airfares ahead of the Dashain festival, with ticket prices increasing by as much as Rs 5,400. The surge in prices is targeting the high demand expected during the festival, which is just three weeks away.
According to the new fare rates announced by the airlines, passengers flying from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi will now have to pay Rs 13,300 for flights between October 10 and 12, the peak travel period for Dashain. The current price for the same route is Rs 7,900, marking a sharp increase of Rs 5,400.
Similarly, passengers traveling from Kathmandu to other popular destinations during Dashain will face significant price hikes. The airfare for Rajbiraj has increased by Rs 3,900, Bhadrapur by Rs 3,700, Nepalgunj by Rs 2,900, and Biratnagar by Rs 2,200. Additionally, flights from Kathmandu to Surkhet have surged by Rs 4,500, while those to Bhairahawa, Janakpur, and Simara have seen increases of Rs 1,800, Rs 600, and Rs 470, respectively.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people leave the capital to return to their hometowns to celebrate Dashain, the biggest festival for Hindus in Nepal. Last year, over 450,000 people traveled from Kathmandu Valley to other parts of the country for the festival, according to government records.
Domestic airlines often raise their ticket prices significantly during this period, citing the high demand for one-way flights from Kathmandu to various destinations. Despite the sharp rise in fares, the airlines maintain that the rates have been set in accordance with government regulations.
“Those who book their tickets early can still secure cheaper fares,” said an official from Buddha Air, one of Nepal’s leading airlines.
With Dashain fast approaching, many travelers are feeling the pinch of the increased airfares as they make plans to reunite with their families during the festive season.
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