IndiGo flight cancellations and festive rush push bus fares to record highs

IndiGo flight cancellations & festive rush push Bengaluru bus fares up ₹200–₹3,000, with tickets hitting ₹4,000+ after Dec 20

Private bus fares on major long‑distance routes from Bengaluru have surged sharply as the festive season coincides with widespread flight cancellations by IndiGo. The dual impact has left passengers facing steep travel costs, particularly on routes to Kerala, Goa, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

For journeys scheduled next week, fares have already risen by ₹200–₹300 compared to regular rates. However, those planning to travel after December 20 face far higher expenses, with tickets priced up to ₹3,000 more than usual. The Bengaluru–Kerala corridor has been among the hardest hit. An AC sleeper bus ticket to Thiruvananthapuram, which typically costs around ₹1,200, is currently priced between ₹1,550 and ₹1,850. After December 20, fares on this route soar to ₹4,000.

Mumbai routes show similar escalation. A Seabird Tourist bus ticket for December 20 is listed at ₹4,425, reflecting the seasonal demand spike. Operators point to the festive rush and uncertainty around air travel as key reasons for the surge, noting that passengers are increasingly turning to buses as trains remain fully booked and flights face cancellations.

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Travel to Goa has also become significantly more expensive. A Varad Lines AC bus ticket for December 20 is priced at ₹4,000, while IntrCity SmartBus is charging ₹3,100 for the same day. Hyderabad routes have seen comparable increases, adding to the burden on passengers.

The sudden escalation in fares has sparked concerns among commuters, many of whom rely on buses as their primary mode of travel during the festive season. With limited alternatives, the rising costs are forcing some to reconsider or cancel trips altogether.

Authorities are under pressure to monitor and regulate private bus fares, as the combination of airline disruptions and seasonal demand continues to strain passenger budgets across southern and western routes.

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