New Delhi: In the wake of former US President Donald Trump’s recent executive order tightening H-1B visa regulations, airfares between India and the United States have witnessed a sharp and sudden spike.
The move, which has stirred anxiety among Indian professionals and students, has also triggered a surge in last-minute travel bookings — driving ticket prices to unprecedented levels.
According to travel industry insiders, the average one-way economy class fare from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Hyderabad to US destinations such as New York, San Francisco, and Chicago has jumped by 40–60% in just a few days. In some cases, round-trip fares have crossed ₹2.5 lakh, especially for flights scheduled within the next two weeks.
Visa Uncertainty Fuels Travel Rush
The spike in fares comes on the heels of Trump’s controversial order aimed at revising the eligibility criteria for H-1B visa holders and applicants. The announcement has led to widespread uncertainty among Indian tech workers, many of whom are now rushing to the US to secure their positions before any new restrictions take effect.
Travel agents report a surge in urgent bookings, particularly from IT professionals, students, and families with pending visa renewals. “People are panicking. They want to reach the US before any new rules are enforced,” said a Delhi-based travel consultant.
Airlines Capitalise On Demand Surge
With demand skyrocketing, airlines have responded by increasing fares and limiting promotional offers. Some carriers have even introduced additional flights on high-demand routes, but availability remains tight. Industry experts say the fare hike is a classic case of demand-supply imbalance, worsened by the geopolitical uncertainty.
“Whenever there’s a policy shift in the US, especially around immigration, we see a ripple effect on travel patterns. This time, the impact is immediate and intense,” said an aviation analyst.
Students And Families Hit Hard
The fare surge has particularly affected Indian students planning to return to US universities after the summer break. Many are now forced to either delay their travel or pay exorbitant prices. Families with children studying or working in the US are also scrambling to make travel arrangements amid the chaos.
What Lies Ahead
While the full implications of Trump’s H-1B order are yet to unfold, the immediate impact on travel is clear. Experts warn that if the visa policy is implemented swiftly, the rush could intensify further, pushing fares even higher. Meanwhile, Indian authorities and travel associations are closely monitoring the situation.