With the cricket World Cup final scheduled for November 19 in Ahmedabad, the excitement among fans is palpable. While securing match tickets and accommodation may have been a success for many, the surge in airfares is now causing a bit of sticker shock. 

Source: Times of India

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As the Indian cricket team secures its spot in the title clash, the demand for flights to Ahmedabad has surged, propelling airfares to exorbitant levels. Even with IndiGo operating six direct flights from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad on Saturday, the cost of a one-way ticket has reached astonishing heights, with some fares exceeding Rs 30,000. This surge is particularly striking given that regular one-way fares for the Bengaluru-Ahmedabad route typically start at Rs 5,700.

Madhu Prasad, a passionate cricket fan from Jayanagar, eagerly anticipated watching the final either from the stadium in Ahmedabad or the fan zone in the city. However, his excitement took a hit when he checked the ticket prices for a Bengaluru-Ahmedabad flight on Saturday. The one-way fare for a 9 pm IndiGo flight stood at a staggering Rs 32,999, reflecting the soaring demand amid cricket fervor.

Source: Business Standard

While average one-way fares for the Bengaluru-Ahmedabad route usually hover around the Rs 30,000-mark, as of Thursday, IndiGo’s early-morning and 7 pm departures were comparatively more affordable at Rs 26,999. The sole Akasa Air flight on Saturday had a one-way fare of Rs 28,778. Despite these options, the significant increase in prices has prompted fans to explore alternatives, including flights with stopovers in Mumbai.

The cricket craze gripping India has led to elevated airfares even for early-morning departures on the matchday, Sunday. Flights from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru to Ahmedabad are starting from Rs 30,999, a price point that has left some fans contemplating flights with layovers in Mumbai, where one-way fares still surpass Rs 16,000.

The surge in airfare prices underscores the unprecedented demand generated by the cricket World Cup final. As fans eagerly await the showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the cost of traveling to witness the historic event live has become a significant consideration for those aiming to be part of the electrifying atmosphere.