Hyderabad airfares double as pilgrimage season begins

Airfares from Hyderabad to major pilgrimage destinations have surged 100% to 200% with the start of 'saravana masam', according to travel portals and agents. A one-way flight to Madurai now costs about Rs 14,000, up from Rs 6,000-7,000, while fares to Mangaluru have climbed to nearly Rs 17,000 from Rs 7,000-8,000.

Travel agents attribute the spike to reduced airline capacity since the Gulf war and a sharp seasonal surge in demand. Nagesh Pampati, president of the Travel Agents Association of India's Telangana and AP chapter, said domestic packages have also become 30% to 50% more expensive. Many families are reconsidering their travel plans due to the high costs.

Fares to nearby metros Chennai and Bengaluru have also risen sharply due to the Independence Day weekend, while flights to Delhi and Mumbai remain relatively affordable. A round-trip to Tirupati for two people would now cost about Rs 60,000-70,000, one traveller said.