14 September 2024, Kathmandu
As Dashain approaches, domestic air travel in Nepal is set to become more expensive. Airlines have significantly increased their fares, making it difficult for travelers to find affordable options.
Dashain 2024 Travel Costs Surge
This annual trend, where airlines prioritize higher-priced tickets during the peak travel season, has once again taken effect.
With just a few weeks until the festival, demand for flights is soaring. Airlines have responded by raising fares to capitalize on the increased demand. This means that cheaper tickets, which are typically available at other times of the year, are now scarce.
Several popular routes have seen significant fare hikes, with some prices increasing by as much as NPR 5,000. Flights from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, for example, have seen a price increase of over 60%.
Airlines justify these price hikes by citing the high demand for one-way tickets during Dashain. They claim that the fares are within government-imposed limits and reflect the increased cost of operating flights during this busy period.
Despite the high demand for outbound flights, return flight occupancy remains relatively low, suggesting that many travelers may opt to stay longer at their destinations or find alternative means of transportation for their return journey.
To avoid paying exorbitant fares, travelers are advised to book their flights well in advance. As the festival draws closer, demand is likely to increase, leading to further price hikes.
For more: Dashain 2024 Travel Costs Surge
