Key Takeaways:

• One-way Kathmandu-Dhangadhi fares have risen to over Rs 22,000
• Normal ticket prices of around Rs 10,800 are no longer available
• Airlines cite heavy festive-season demand for westbound travel
• Route fares now exceed the cost of flights from Kathmandu to New Delhi

DHANGADHI, OCTOBER 5 Airfares on the Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route have surged with the festive season approaching, adding to the financial burden on residents of Sudurpashchim who already face relatively high air travel costs. A one-way ticket from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi is currently selling for as much as Rs 22,180, while the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has set the maximum permissible fare on the route at Rs 21,600. Under normal circumstances, passengers could obtain tickets for around Rs 10,800. However, airlines say tickets at that price are no longer available due to rising demand. An airline official in Dhangadhi said some tickets were still available at Rs 10,800 until Monday, but the minimum available fare is expected to increase to between Rs 15,000 and Rs 16,000 from Tuesday. According to airline officials, carriers are permitted to charge up to the maximum fare approved by the civil aviation authority. In regular periods, however, tickets are generally sold at around half of the maximum allowed fare.

Airlines attribute the increase to a seasonal imbalance in passenger demand. During the Dashain period, demand for flights from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi rises sharply as people travel home for the festival, while comparatively fewer passengers travel in the opposite direction. As a result, airlines adjust fares in response to strong demand on the westbound sector, industry officials said. Dhangadhi Airport Chief Mahendra Bahadur Singh said airlines are not permitted to charge fares above the maximum rate set by the authority. The Kathmandu-Dhangadhi route has long faced criticism over high airfare costs, particularly during major festivals when demand spikes and seat availability becomes limited. Despite repeated concerns from passengers and local stakeholders, no long-term solution has yet been implemented to address seasonal fare hikes on the route. With Dashain travel expected to intensify in the coming days, demand for flights to Sudurpashchim is likely to remain high, keeping pressure on fares and seat availability.