As the Dashain festival approaches, domestic airline companies in Nepal have significantly increased ticket prices, with fares rising by up to Rs 5,400. The price surge targets passengers traveling home for the festival, which is just three weeks away.
According to the newly announced ticket rates, passengers flying from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi between October 10-12, the peak of the Dashain season, will now have to pay Rs 13,300, compared to the current fare of Rs 7,900.
Other popular routes have also seen significant fare hikes. Dashain travelers heading from Kathmandu to Rajbiraj will pay an additional Rs 3,900, while those flying to Bhadrapur will see a rise of Rs 3,700. Similarly, ticket prices for Nepalgunj have increased by Rs 2,900, and Biratnagar by Rs 2,200. Passengers flying from Kathmandu to Surkhet will face a Rs 4,500 hike, while those flying to Bhairahawa will see an increase of Rs 1,800. The fare for Kathmandu-Janakpur has risen by Rs 600, and for Kathmandu-Simara by Rs 470.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people leave Kathmandu to celebrate Dashain with their families. Last year, more than 450,000 people departed from the capital to their hometowns for the festival, according to government records.
Airlines typically raise ticket prices during Dashain, citing high demand, particularly for one-way travel from Kathmandu to other destinations within the country. Despite the steep increases, airlines maintain that their fare adjustments comply with government regulations. “Those who book their tickets early can still get them at relatively cheaper rates,” said an official from Buddha Air.
