Coldplay sends airfares from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad soaring | Hyderabad News – Times of India

HYDERABAD: With British rock band Coldplay set to hold its largest-ever concert in Ahmedabad at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Jan 25, airfares from Hyderabad to the city have skyrocketed, leaving fans grappling with exorbitant travel costs. Round-trip tickets, typically priced under 10,000, surged to as high as 43,000, nearly four times the usual rates. Even the cheapest option, priced at 36,000, includes a seven-hour layover, further complicating travel plans.
The demand surge was fuelled by over 3,000 Hyderabadis planning to attend the concert, according to data from ticket booking platform, BookMyShow. This not only drove up ticket prices to Ahmedabad but also to nearby cities like Surat, as fans sought alternative routes to cut costs. Many opted to fly to Surat and then travel to Ahmedabad by train or car. However, this workaround spiked fares to Surat, turning the journey into a logistical nightmare.

“The airfare is insane, but I booked a flight to Surat and will take a train to Ahmedabad,” shared Mohd Zeeshan, a 29-year-old finance professional. “We already got the concert tickets with much difficulty. Three of my friends and I spent 40,000 only on concert tickets. So, we didn’t want to let go of this opportunity. The travelling is inconvenient, but the experience will be worth it.”
However, not everyone is thrilled about the price surge. Sai Vartika Reddy, a PHD researcher, expressed frustration at the situation. “It is outrageous how airlines are exploiting the demand,” she said. “I was planning to fly directly to Ahmedabad, but 45,000 for a round trip is ridiculous. Even the alternate routes are pricey now. And if we go by train, we have to spend an entire day travelling to reach Ahmedabad. We are still figuring out the travel plans,” she added.
Some concertgoers have came up with other alternatives. College student Meenal Jain said, “When I saw the flight prices, I was shocked. I finally decided to carpool with a group of friends to Ahmedabad. It is cheaper, and we will have fun on the road.”
The frenzy even caught the attention of local travel agents, who report a significant increase in bookings to Ahmedabad, Surat, and Vadodara.
“It is unusual demand. I did not even know about the concert until I noticed people booking tickets for these cities,” said an independent travel agent in Hyderabad.