Diwali flight numbers drop for first time since 2020 as high fares and disruptions hit demand

Airlines are operating about 6% fewer flights during October and November compared to the same period last year, according to Cirium data.

By SafarSamachar Desk11 Nov 2026, 7:12 am IST

Illustration

Illustration: SafarSamachar Pix Desk, created with AI assistance. Not a photograph of the event.

Key facts at a glance

1Airlines scheduled about 6% fewer flights across October and November than a year earlier
2This is the first capacity decline since 2020
3In 2020, carriers reduced service capacity by nearly 45% due to the pandemic

For the first time since the pandemic began, airlines are running fewer flights over the Diwali season.

Cirium data shows scheduled flight numbers across October and November are down by roughly 6% versus this period last year.

The contraction reverses a pattern of capacity hikes that carriers had followed during major holidays. Rising fares and ongoing aviation sector disruptions have dampened demand, prompting airlines to trim service.

In 2020, when travel collapsed, airlines cut capacity by nearly 45%. The recent decline marks the first reduction in scheduled flights since that year.

What this means for Indian travellers

The drop in Diwali-season flights signals that high fares and sector disruptions are now outweighing holiday demand growth—a reversal of the expansion trend seen for years.

More details

What are the current refund and rebooking policies for passengers whose flights were cancelled or reduced in the Diwali period?

Passengers may receive a one‑time complimentary rebooking (subject to seat availability) until 29 November, or they can choose a full refund upon cancellation.

Source: The Economic Times

Sources

This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above, following our accuracy rules; it has not yet been individually reviewed by an editor. Read our editorial policy.Rules and schedules change - confirm with the airline or embassy before you travel. Spotted an error? Tell us.