Cheapest Flight Tickets: Finding the cheapest flight tickets in 2026 requires smart timing, flexibility, and choosing the right airline. Whether you’re flying domestically within India or planning an international trip, airfare trends this year show that early booking and midweek travel can significantly reduce costs.
Cheapest Flight Tickets 2026
| Route | Airline (Common Budget Option) | Starting Price* | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru → Salem | IndiGo | ₹1,978 | Domestic |
| Chennai → Kochi | IndiGo | ₹2,000 approx | Domestic |
| Mumbai → Ahmedabad | IndiGo | ₹2,200 approx | Domestic |
| Delhi → Chandigarh | IndiGo | ₹2,000 approx | Domestic |
| Chennai → Coimbatore | IndiGo | ₹2,100 approx | Domestic |
| Delhi → Kathmandu | IndiGo | ₹10,191 | International (Short-haul) |
| Bengaluru → Dubai | Emirates | ₹18,572 | International |
Flight Booking Information – 2026
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Domestic Booking Window | 6–10 weeks before departure |
| International Booking Window | 3–5 months before departure |
| Cheapest Month (India) | February |
| Cheapest Travel Days | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| High Fare Period | April peak season |
| Budget Airlines | IndiGo, HK Express, Jetstar Airways, Scoot |
Cheapest Domestic Routes in India (2026)
High-competition short-haul routes are currently offering the lowest fares due to multiple budget airlines operating daily flights.
| Route | Why It’s Cheap |
|---|---|
| Chennai → Kochi | Strong business + leisure demand keeps fares competitive |
| Mumbai → Ahmedabad | High-frequency flights lower average ticket cost |
| Delhi → Jaipur / Chandigarh | Short duration + heavy airline competition |
| Bengaluru → Hyderabad | Corporate traffic balances demand |
| Kolkata → Guwahati | Consistent pricing due to regional connectivity |
Domestic fares have been spotted as low as ₹878–₹1,978 on select regional routes.
Flight Price Table (Chennai Departures – Economy, Round Trip, 1 Passenger)
| Destination | Travel Dates | Stops | Duration | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Delhi | 16–22 Feb | Nonstop | 2h 40m | from $130 |
| Mumbai | 6–12 Apr | Nonstop | 1h 55m | from $91 |
| Hyderabad | 28 Feb–6 Mar | Nonstop | 1h 15m | from $92 |
| Coimbatore | 6–12 Mar | Nonstop | 1h | from $83 |
| Madurai | 27 Feb–5 Mar | Nonstop | 1h 5m | from $91 |
| Kochi | 14–20 Feb | Nonstop | 1h 15m | from $83 |
| Singapore | 16–22 Mar | Nonstop | 4h | from $159 |
Prices fluctuate based on availability and booking timing.
Representative 2026 Flight Prices from Major Indian Cities
| Route | Travel Period | Stops | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bengaluru → Salem | Feb 13–17 | Nonstop | from ₹1,978 |
| Chennai → Mumbai | Apr 6–12 | Nonstop | from ~$91 |
| Delhi → Kathmandu | Mar 8–11 | Nonstop | from ₹10,191 |
| Bengaluru → Dubai | Flexible | Nonstop | from ₹18,572 |
| Srinagar → Delhi | Feb 12 | Nonstop | from ₹4,604 |
| Mumbai → London | Flexible | Connecting | from ₹42,035 |
Best Time to Book Flights in 2026
Booking Strategy – 2026
| Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Domestic Flights (India) | Book 6–10 weeks in advance |
| Cheapest Month (Domestic) | February |
| Low-Demand Months | January, September, Early December |
| Avoid | Last-minute booking in April peak season |
| International Flights | Book 3–5 months early |
| Europe/Middle East Routes | Early booking gives better pricing & seat options |
| Cheapest Days to Fly | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Sunday Booking Tip | Book 21+ days early for better deals |
| Expensive Travel Days | Friday & Saturday |
Budget Airlines to Consider (2026)
| Airline | Type | Region |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Low-cost | India |
| HK Express | Low-cost | Asia |
| Jetstar Airways | Low-cost | Asia-Pacific |
| Scoot | Low-cost | Asia |
sh sales and promotional discounts.
Emirates 2026 Travel Trend Insights
If you’re planning to fly with Emirates in 2026, timing matters even more.
- January recorded record family travel bookings.
- Over 65% of family/group bookings were made 2–3 months early.
- Early booking helped secure better Economy Class pricing.
For peak seasons (school holidays, summer), booking at least 3 months ahead is strongly recommended.
Best Tools to Find Cheap Flights
Use comparison platforms to track price drops:
- Google Flights – Use “Whole Month” view
- Skyscanner – Use “Everywhere” search
Set price alerts to monitor fare changes.
2026 Market Outlook
- Airfares expected to remain stable but slightly high due to:
- Rising labor costs
- Aircraft delivery delays
- Operational constraints
- Domestic fare increases expected around April 2026.
Planning early remains the safest strategy for cost savings.
FAQs
1. When should I book domestic flights in India for the lowest fares?
For the best prices in 2026, book domestic flights 6–10 weeks before departure.
2. How early should I book international flights?
International tickets are usually cheaper when booked 3–5 months in advance, especially for Europe and Middle East routes.
3. Which month is the cheapest to travel within India?
February is currently considered the most affordable month for domestic travel, followed by January and September.
4. What are the cheapest days to fly?
Midweek departures, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, typically offer lower fares compared to weekends.
5. Are last-minute flight tickets cheaper?
Not usually. Last-minute bookings, especially during peak seasons like April, tend to be more expensive.
6. Which airlines offer budget fares in 2026?
Low-cost carriers like IndiGo, HK Express, Jetstar Airways, and Scoot frequently provide competitive fares.
7. What tools can help find the cheapest flights?
Platforms like Google Flights and Skyscanner allow users to compare prices, view whole-month fares, and set price alerts.
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