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Flight prices from India to Colombo have increased significantly as fans rush to see the much-anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match on February 15 2026. This rise comes after the match was confirmed amid earlier doubts about Pakistan’s participation. The last-minute rush has driven airfares to new heights and increased tourism demand in Sri Lanka.
Airfare Spike: What’s Happening?
Travel demand has surged in several Indian cities as cricket fans plan to fly to Sri Lanka to watch one of the sport’s biggest rivalries live.
- Round-trip prices from Mumbai to Colombo now run around ₹60,000, rising sharply within minutes of the match confirmation.
- In some instances, direct flights are priced between ₹88,000 and ₹1,18,000 for peak travel dates around the game.
- Short flights from southern cities like Chennai are also expensive, with return fares exceeding ₹50,000 for travel during the match week.
Industry experts say such price increases are common during major sporting events, when last-minute bookings and limited seat availability drive prices up.
Why the Sudden Rush?
Two factors have contributed to this surge:
- Match confirmation: Pakistan initially signalled a boycott of the India clash but reversed course after negotiations with the ICC and cricket boards. This removed uncertainty around the important match.
- Cricket rivalry: The India vs Pakistan encounter is one of the most-watched events worldwide, drawing millions of fans in person.
This combination has led to a rise in flight bookings and, in turn, airfare prices as fans rush to secure seats before they sell out.
Impact Beyond Flights
Travel agents and industry analysts point out that hotel rates and local travel costs in Colombo are rising as demand peaks around the match weekend. Although data on accommodation were limited, similar trends often follow major global sporting events.
