KATHMANDU – Domestic airlines have raised ticket prices by up to Rs 5,400, targeting passengers for the upcoming Dashain festival, which is just three weeks away.

According to the new rates, a flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi will cost Rs 13,300 during the peak travel period of October 10-12, up from the current price of Rs 7,900.

Travelers heading to Rajbiraj will face an additional charge of Rs 3,900, while those flying to Bhadrapur will pay Rs 3,700 more. Flights to Nepalgunj will cost an extra Rs 2,900, and trips to Biratnagar will be pricier by Rs 2,200. The fares have also increased by Rs 4,500 for Kathmandu-Surkhet, Rs 1,800 for Kathmandu-Bhairahawa, Rs 600 for Kathmandu-Janakpur, and Rs 470 for Kathmandu-Simara.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people leave the capital to celebrate Dashain with their families. Last year, government records indicated that over 450,000 individuals traveled from the Kathmandu Valley to their hometowns for the festival.

Airlines justify the significant fare hikes by citing high demand for one-way travel from Kathmandu to various destinations. They claim to have set their rates in accordance with government regulations. An official from Buddha Air mentioned that those who book tickets early can still secure them at relatively lower prices.