Air travel from MP gets costlier amid global tensions:Domestic fares rise over 25%, international tickets nearly double

Global geopolitical tensions are now impacting air travelers directly. Escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States has driven up crude oil and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, resulting in higher airfares. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India have introduced fuel surcharges to offset rising operational costs. Consequently, flight tickets across Madhya Pradesh and the country have become 15–20% more expensive. Fewer direct flights, higher travel costs Since the implementation of the summer schedule in late March, several direct flights from Indore to major cities have been discontinued. Passengers are now relying on connecting flights, increasing both travel time and expenses. This has also affected summer travel plans, with many opting for trains or alternative modes of transport. Hemendra Singh Jadaun, Chairman of the Travel Agents Association of India (MP-Chhattisgarh), said fares may rise further if global conditions do not improve and ATF prices remain high. Indore routes witness steep fare hikes Airfares from Indore have increased by an average of 20% across domestic and international routes, with some routes witnessing sharper spikes. Travel experts attribute the sharp increase on the Kolkata route to high demand and limited competition. Hemant Dhanotia noted that IndiGo’s dominance on Indore routes has reduced competition, amplifying the impact of rising fuel costs.
Fare hikes across other MP cities Bhopal: Gwalior: Jabalpur: International fares surge up to 35% International routes have been hit harder, with fares rising by 30–35% due to disrupted air corridors over Gulf regions. Airlines are taking longer alternate routes, increasing both distance and fuel consumption. Estimated fare increases from Madhya Pradesh: Connectivity issues add to passenger concerns Apart from rising fares, reduced connectivity has become a major issue for Indore passengers. Several direct routes have been suspended under the new schedule, forcing reliance on connecting flights. This has significantly increased both travel time and overall expenses.