RCB fans fuel airfare surge ahead of IPL final, Bengaluru-Ahmedabad one-way flights touch ₹26,000

With Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) entering the IPL 2025 final, an unexpected surge in demand has sent airfares from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad soaring to as high as ₹26,000 for one-way economy class tickets. The excitement among fans is not just evident in stadium queues and merchandise sales, but also in the skies — quite literally.

✈️ Sky-High Prices for Loyal Fans

As the IPL final neared, flight fares from Bengaluru to Ahmedabad, the venue of the final, saw an unprecedented spike. Normally priced between ₹4,000 and ₹7,000, some flights for May 25th and 26th (a day before and the day of the final) touched ₹20,000–₹26,000.

Travel industry insiders confirmed that this sharp hike is directly linked to the massive demand from RCB fans traveling to support their team. Several flights were completely booked within hours after RCB qualified for the finals.

RCB’s Long-Awaited Final Boosts Sentiment

RCB’s entry into the IPL final — a highly anticipated moment after years of near-misses — has sparked a frenzy among fans, who are willing to shell out thousands just to witness the iconic event in person.

Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest cricket venue in the world, is expected to be packed to capacity, with fans from both cities making the journey to experience the high-voltage clash.

Travel Portals Crash, Demand Outpaces Supply

Several travel booking platforms experienced temporary outages due to the surge in searches. Travel agencies also reported a sharp spike in last-minute bookings, prompting airlines to introduce dynamic fare pricing.

Some airlines even scheduled additional flights and increased aircraft capacity to meet the demand.

What It Means for the Aviation & Tourism Sector

While the price hike has made it difficult for budget travelers, it has come as a temporary boon for airlines and the hospitality sector in Ahmedabad. Hotels near the stadium reported full bookings within hours, with premium suites selling out first.

Fan Reactions

Social media is abuzz with memes, complaints, and photos of booking confirmations. Some fans have even opted for 16-hour train journeys or road trips due to the exorbitant airfare.

Final Thoughts:

RCB’s final appearance is not just a cricketing moment — it’s become a travel phenomenon. Whether in stadium stands or airport lounges, fans are showing their loyalty in ways that are breaking more than just records — they're breaking fare charts too.