Friday, September 20, 2024 As Diwali approaches, India’s domestic travel industry is experiencing an extraordinary surge, with flight bookings increasing by 85% compared to last year. Data from World on Holiday by RateGain reveals that this festive season is on track to set new records, with travel demand surpassing even pre-Covid levels. This surge reflects not just heightened travel numbers but also a broader recovery within India’s domestic aviation sector.
The number of travelers has more than doubled as families prepare to reunite and celebrate the festival of lights. Passengers are booking their flights an average of 27 days in advance, securing tickets to some of India’s most sought-after destinations during Diwali. Top travel spots this year include major metros and cities like New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Port Blair, Kochi, and Patna.
A significant factor driving this travel boom is the desire for familial connections, with many opting to return to their hometowns for the holiday. Notably, reverse travel trends—where individuals from Tier 1 cities head back to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns—are becoming increasingly prominent. Cities such as Guwahati have seen a remarkable 386% rise in bookings, followed by Jaipur at 306% and Patna at 271%, highlighting their emergence as key beneficiaries of this travel trend.
Other cities, including Chennai, Amritsar, and Lucknow, also reported significant increases in travel demand. For airli.