Planning an international getaway for Christmas or New Year? You might want to reconsider, as airfares for flights departing from Hyderabad between December 21 and January 1 have surged dramatically, according to reports. This period, marked by school winter vacations and extended corporate holidays, typically sees a spike in travel demand. However, this year, domestic and international travel demand is believed to be exceptionally high.

Popular global destinations like Singapore, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, and London have contributed to this surge, thanks to festive attractions such as the Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore, the Dubai Shopping Festival, Christmas Bazaars in Malaysia, and grand celebrations in Thailand and Dubai. Unsurprisingly, flights to these hotspots have seen prices rise by two to three times their usual rates.

For instance, a flight from Hyderabad to Dubai generally costs INR 12,000–16,000, now ranging between INR 18,000 and INR 36,000 for travel between December 22 and 24. With such staggering price hikes, travellers feel the festive rush's pinch. If you’re planning an international trip, booking well in advance or exploring alternative travel dates might help you manage costs better.

Experts attribute this to the growing travel appetite post-pandemic and limited seat availability. Travellers are advised to book early, explore alternative travel dates, or consider less popular destinations to manage costs. With prices climbing steeply, festive international travel may require careful planning and a bigger budget this year.

(With inputs from multiple reports)