Festive Rush Strains Air Travel, Passengers Stranded in TN

December 23, 2025

As the Christmas and New Year holiday season kick-off intensifies travel from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu districts, many air passengers are facing major disruptions due to high demand and limited flight availability. Tickets for direct flights to cities such as Thoothukudi, Madurai, Tiruchi, Salem and Coimbatore have rapidly sold out, leaving travelers scrambling for alternatives and often longer, more expensive routes.

Flights Sold Out as Demand Soars

With schools and colleges on extended breaks and families planning festive trips home, demand for flights from Chennai International Airport has surged sharply. Direct flight seats to key southern destinations are completely booked on multiple days, forcing passengers to consider connecting flights via Bengaluru or other hubs — increasing both travel time and costs.

Airfares Spike Amid Rush

The steep rise in demand has also pushed airfares significantly higher, with travelers reporting that ticket prices for popular routes have increased several times compared to normal rates, exacerbating the strain on passengers trying to travel comfortably during the holiday period.

Passenger Hardships Grow

Stranded passengers have shared their frustration, with many unable to secure seats on preferred flights and facing inconvenient routing or extended layovers. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in managing peak festive travel demand, particularly when combined with limited flight capacity.

Calls for Additional Flights and Support

Travelers and passenger groups have urged airlines and authorities to operate additional flights from Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu and other high-demand sectors, to alleviate pressure and reduce travel hardships during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.