DHARAMSALA, MAY 9 — Ticket prices for flights between Delhi and Dharamsala have soared to ₹24,000 as the region prepares for a series of high-profile Indian Premier League fixtures. The surge in travel costs comes as fans, media personnel, and corporate groups descend upon the hill station for four matches, including a pivotal play-off at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium.
Travel industry professionals stated that the sudden spike is a direct result of limited air infrastructure at Kangra Airport, which manages only eight to 10 daily flights. Prices that usually remain between ₹5,000 and ₹7,000 have nearly tripled for the upcoming match dates. This pattern of skyrocketing fares is frequently observed when the town hosts major international events, experts affirmed.
The influx of visitors has revitalized the local hospitality sector following a sluggish start to the spring season. Ashwani Kumar Bamba, president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, maintained that while April and early May were lean, star-category hotels are now at full capacity. He declared that the occupancy surge is spreading from lower Dharamsala to upper tourist hubs such as McLeodganj and Dharamkot.
The Punjab Kings are scheduled to host the Delhi Capitals on May 11, followed by matches against the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 14 and 17, respectively. The stadium is also set to host Qualifier 1 on May 26. To accommodate the massive expected turnout, the district administration has strengthened security and implemented new traffic regulation plans, according to local authorities.
