Why can flying to New Delhi cost less than flying to Dhangadhi?

Kathmandu, Oct 9: Every Dashain and Tihar festival, a familiar question resurfaces: Why can a flight to New Delhi cost less than one to Dhangadhi? The comparison, however, often pits Delhi’s lowest fares against Dhangadhi’s highest, overlooking differences in aircraft capacity, competition, fuel prices and operating costs.

The Kathmandu–Delhi route is served by aircraft carrying more than 150 passengers, and sometimes around 300. Strong competition and lower aviation fuel prices in India allow airlines to offer cheaper tickets when demand is low. During peak periods, however, fares on the route can exceed Rs 100,000.