DIWALI FLIGHTS
In a first since Covid, Diwali flight numbers fall as high fares, disruptions take a toll
Airlines scheduled about 6% fewer flights across October and November than a year earlier, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. That marks the first capacity decline since 2020, when carriers slashed service capacity by nearly 45% amid the pandemic-induced collapse in travel demand.
India signs Haj 2027 agreement with Saudi Arabia, secures quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims
India has secured a Haj quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for 2027 after signing a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on November 9. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement following discussions with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. The two sides reviewed preparations for the next pilgrimage season and discussed logistical support, coordination and pilgrim welfare.
Delhi AQI today: National captial's air quality improves but remains in 'very poor' category; check IMD weather forecast and other details
Delhi pollution latest news: Delhi experienced marginal improvement in air quality as AQI levels decreased after Diwali celebrations. The Air Quality Index recorded a reading of 304 at one point, down from earlier figures. Despite this, pollution remained in the 'very poor' category according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The government's emergency action plan continues to be enforced to tackle rising pollution levels.
Travel platforms and hotels see uptick in bookings for Diwali
An impressive uptick in Diwali travel bookings has been recorded this year, surpassing last year's figures. Online travel sites report a boom in both domestic and international reservations, particularly among Gen Z adventurers. These travellers are opting for extended holidays and making early bookings, indicating a shift towards peaceful, eco-friendly options that allow them to escape the hustle of urban life.
Happy Diwali 2026: 80+ best wishes, quotes, messages and greetings to share with loved ones
Happy Diwali 2026 wishes: Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the victory of good over evil and light over darkness. As families and friends come together to mark the occasion, sharing heartfelt wishes adds to the festive spirit. If you are looking for the perfect words to greet your loved ones, here are 80 Happy Diwali 2026 wishes, quotes, messages, WhatsApp status ideas and Instagram captions to share with family, friends and colleagues and spread happiness, peace and prosperity.
Happy Diwali 2026: 50+ wishes, messages, quotes and images to share with family and friends
Happy Diwali 2026 wishes and images: Looking for the best Happy Diwali 2026 wishes, quotes and messages? From heartfelt greetings for family and friends to short WhatsApp messages, Instagram captions and professional wishes for colleagues, here are 50 greetings to share with your loved ones and spread festive cheer.
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Severe Cyclone Murasu: 19 flights cancelled across 3 Andhra airports
Severe cyclonic storm Murasu is expected to impact Andhra Pradesh, resulting in significant flight cancellations. At least 19 domestic flights have been canceled across Vijayawada, Tirupati, and Visakhapatnam airports. Major airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express have announced several flight cancellations. The storm is anticipated to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast during the night between November 2 and November 3.
700% jump in airfare: Supreme Court says 'don't travel by air'
The Supreme Court refused urgent listing of a plea alleging a 700% surge in airfares, with the bench telling passengers, "Don't travel by air." The case comes amid growing scrutiny of unpredictable airline ticket prices in India. The court is separately hearing a plea seeking an independent aviation regulator, transparent airfare rules and stronger passenger protection against exorbitant fare hikes.
Bengaluru to Paris Flight costs Rs 25,838, less than Prayagraj at Rs 27,817 for Diwali? Viral fare comparison has internet divided
As Diwali approaches, numerous Indians are grappling with steep airfare costs when returning home, sparking worries about travel expenses. A viral graphic recently illustrated how flying to Paris can be less expensive than travelling to Prayagraj, underscoring a surge in domestic flight prices during this festive period. The surge is influenced by factors like heightened demand and rising fuel prices.
IndiGo posts Rs 1,879-crore loss as high fuel costs, geopolitical woes hit; capacity cuts & yield management offer only partial relief, says CEO Willie Walsh
IndiGo reported a net loss of Rs 1,879 crore in the September quarter as a sharp rise in jet fuel prices and foreign exchange costs offset strong revenue growth. While revenue increased 26% year-on-year to Rs 23,363.8 crore, fuel costs surged more than 67%. The airline plans to raise fares, rationalise flights and maintain its long-term expansion plans, including the introduction of Airbus A350 aircraft in 2028.
Why is market rallying today? Sensex jumps 900 points, Nifty above 22,900. 6 key factors behind Rs 5 lakh crore gains
The Indian stock market saw a vibrant uptick as both Sensex and Nifty surged over 1.1%, attributed to the Federal Reserve's decision to maintain interest rates. Renewed interest from foreign investors was evident, with net purchases of Indian equities totaling approximately Rs 872 crore on Wednesday. Optimism surrounding potential reductions in long-term capital gains tax also fostered positive market sentiment.
Diwali travel 2026: Bangkok, Phuket and Tokyo top Indian searches for overseas holidays: Agoda data
As the festive season approaches, Indian travellers are exploring exciting destinations both locally and abroad. With a marked interest in getaways to Bangkok, Phuket, and Tokyo, their domestic searches also highlight Goa, Puri, and Udaipur as favourites. Puri stands out with a remarkable 318 per cent increase in searches, showcasing the allure of its heritage and spiritual offerings.
Festive sales: Are discounts making you spend more? How to avoid the trap and shop smarter
Retailers use a bagful of psychological triggers and pricing tricks to sell more during sales. Here’s how you can avoid overspending.
Diwali travel rush: How to save on last-minute flight tickets and when to stop waiting for discounts
Waiting until the last minute in the hope of a sale can be costly. Airlines use dynamic pricing, and cheaper fares may disappear as more seats sell. If your dates are fixed, compare fares as early as possible and book when the price is reasonable for your budget. Set fare alerts to track changes, but don’t delay your booking expecting for a drop in prices.
Indians travel more despite costly flights, hotel rates to jump 27% post-Diwali
Travel bookings are on the rise for the festive season, with significant demand reported by various companies. Average hotel rates are expected to spike substantially during this timeframe, particularly in popular destinations. As a result, Goa is projected to experience the largest increase in accommodation prices. International bookings are also surging, especially to destinations like Maldives and Thailand for the festive period.
India braces for first Diwali after Gulf war with tighter budgets
As households prepare for Diwali, rising food prices and travel expenses are impacting festive budgets significantly. Increased costs for essential items like vegetables and sweets are leading to reduced discretionary spending. E-commerce platforms have seen lower sales compared to last year, indicating a shift in consumer behaviour.
Festive rush: Airlines hike fuel surcharge as ATF prices soar
Airlines like Air India and Akasa Air have announced increased fuel surcharges for both domestic and international flights. The rise in aviation turbine fuel prices has significantly impacted operational costs for carriers. Domestic surcharges will be effective on new bookings from October 9, as the festive season approaches. International surcharges vary depending on destination, reflecting additional costs incurred by airlines.
UAE-India airfares for Dussehra, Diwali remain affordable for now
Indian foreign workers in the UAE can still access airfares below Dh1,500 for flights to major Indian cities. Travel agents anticipate a price increase due to rising demand from mid-October. Certain flights, such as Dubai-Varanasi, present higher fare levels due to limited options. Affordable ticket prices are available from both Dubai and Sharjah to several destinations. Travelers are advised to book early to secure the best rates.
Dubai hotels filling up again but rates yet to recover
Dubai hotels are heading into the winter season with occupancy recovering towards last year’s levels, but travellers could still find cheaper rooms. Operators expect rates to remain 10-15% below 2025 levels as they prioritise filling rooms, with Indian tourists emerging as an important source of demand amid continued disruption to international flights.
Airlines start special Patna flights to meet festive traffic demand
Airlines are launching special flights to Patna. SpiceJet is adding routes from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Air India and Air India Express are increasing flights to and from Patna. These additions aim to manage the high travel demand during Diwali and Chhath Puja. More flights are also available to Darbhanga.
SpiceJet expands connectivity to Bihar ahead of Chhath Puja and Diwali from key Indian cities
SpiceJet has launched special festive flights to Bihar ahead of Chhath Puja and Diwali, adding new routes to Patna from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, and extra frequencies from Delhi and Mumbai. Connectivity to Darbhanga has also been boosted with additional flights from Delhi and Mumbai.
SpiceJet shares soar 18% on expansion announcements, new winter routes
SpiceJet shares saw a sharp uptick on Thursday following announcements of network expansion and winter flight operations. The low-cost carrier is launching new routes to popular destinations like Port Blair and Udaipur, alongside special Diwali flights to Ayodhya. This expansion, including fleet growth, aims to capitalise on seasonal demand and enhance domestic connectivity.
"Greetings from the ISS": NASA astronaut Sunita Williams shares Diwali wishes from space
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams extended warm Diwali wishes from the International Space Station, sharing her unique experience of celebrating the festival from 260 miles above Earth. She expressed gratitude to President Biden and Vice President Harris for recognizing the community's contributions and reminisced about her father's efforts to keep their cultural roots alive.
Akasa Air launches network-wide Diwali sale for festive travel
Akasa Air has launched a Diwali sale from October 24 to October 27, 2024. Get up to 15% off on international flights using promo code DIWALI15. Domestic fares start at INR 1,499. Book at least seven days in advance through the Akasa Air website, mobile app, or authorized travel partners. Offer applies to Saver and Flexi fare categories.
Air India ground handling staff call off strike at Mumbai Airport
The strike was called off after discussion with the management, a senior AIATSL official told PTI.
After a dim Diwali, airlines target Christmas business
"The numbers for Diwali were relatively flat, although price realisation might be slightly better," said Sharat Dhall, president of travel portal Yatra.com.
Foreign tourist influx, festive season may see airfares soar this winter
What is worse, the domestic flights' demand will be high as the weak rupee has turned India into an attractive destination this winter.
Air fares soar this Diwali; Europe travel cheaper than domestic routes
Check this out. On Diwali eve (Monday), a one-way ticket for that evening's flight from Delhi to Lucknow, was going over Rs 30K.
Airfares skyrocket before Diwali
One-way tickets to cities like Kolkata, Jaipur and Thiruvananthapuram went for up to Rs 32,000 on Saturday.
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