Flight Tickets to Colombo Rise Sharply as India-Pakistan T20 Approaches
Colombo flight fares soar as fans rush to attend the high-profile India-Pakistan T20 match.
Flight ticket prices to Colombo have skyrocketed in the lead-up to the high-stakes India vs Pakistan Group A match in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, set for February 15 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. The surge followed Pakistan's reversal on February 9-10, 2026, of an earlier boycott threat, after multilateral talks involving the ICC, PCB, and other stakeholders ensured the fixture would proceed as scheduled. This confirmation triggered a massive rush from Indian cricket fans eager to witness the iconic rivalry live, driving demand and pushing fares to multi-fold levels.
From Delhi, where one-way economy tickets typically hover around ₹30,000, prices have jumped to between ₹65,000 and ₹1.45 lakh on carriers such as SriLankan Airlines and Air India for travel around February 14-15. Mumbai routes have seen similar spikes, with one-way fares reaching up to ₹40,000-₹90,000 and round-trip options climbing to ₹70,000 or more. Reports from Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, and other cities indicate comparable increases, with some platforms listing economy seats nearing or exceeding ₹1 lakh one-way—often three to five times normal rates—due to dynamic pricing amid overwhelming last-minute bookings.
The frenzy extends beyond flights, as hotel rates in Colombo have also surged sharply, with premium properties charging over ₹1 lakh per night during the match weekend, compared to usual figures around ₹40,000. Visa-on-arrival facilities for Indian passport holders and the match's emotional and commercial appeal have further amplified the travel rush, turning the short flights into one of the most expensive short-haul routes temporarily.
Also Read: Bangladesh Engages Pakistan in ICC Talks Over India-Pakistan T20 World Cup Boycott
The India-Pakistan clash remains one of cricket's biggest global draws, generating massive viewership and revenue, and its confirmation has averted potential financial losses for the ICC while reigniting fan excitement. The game carries significant implications in Group A, where both teams are performing strongly, adding to the urgency for supporters to attend in person despite the costs.
Travel experts recommend checking multiple platforms, considering flexible dates, or opting for alternative routes where possible, though availability continues to be limited. This episode once again demonstrates how India-Pakistan cricket encounters can dramatically influence regional aviation and tourism demand, even for brief, high-profile events. Authorities and airlines are monitoring the situation as bookings stabilize post-match.
Also Read: BCCI Rejects Boycott Drama: India to Attend Feb 15 Match per ICC Rules
