The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Patna-bound flights cancelled ahead of Diwali, Chhath rush
With Diwali and Chhath approaching, passengers travelling to Patna are facing fresh uncertainty as airlines have cancelled some flights during the peak festival travel period, adding to the pressure on travellers already struggling with high airfares and limited train availability.
Two Air India Express flights to and from Patna were canceled during the Diwali-Chhath travel window, as Patna’s Jayprakash Narayan International Airport announced operational cancellations for flights serving the Bengaluru-Patna-Bengaluru and Delhi-Patna-Delhi routes. The cancellations affect IX-2004/2817 on Bengaluru-Patna-Bengaluru from November 1 to 15, and IX1586/1587 on Delhi-Patna-Delhi, including the November 8 Diwali date.
The airport stated that the cancellations are for operational reasons and advised affected passengers to contact Air India Express executives for assistance and flight information. The announcements were posted on the airport’s official X account as the festive travel period begins.
Passengers say high airfares and limited train availability have already strained holiday travel plans, with some noting that one-way fares have surged to around Rs 25,000 and higher, complicating replacements for canceled flights. The concern is that many travelers had booked well in advance for Diwali and Chhath and now face uncertainty.
With rail tickets scarce during the peak season and airfares elevated on Patna-bound routes, travelers may need to seek alternative flights on short notice if further disruptions occur. Online posts from passengers reflect frustration over cancellations and rising costs, illustrating the pressure on festival travel in and out of Patna.