The upcoming Indian Premier League fixtures at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) stadium have sent air fares on the Delhi-Dharamsala route soaring to unprecedented levels. Ahead of the high-profile matches at the iconic venue, ticket prices have surged as high as Rs 24,000, nearly tripling the standard rates which typically range between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000. Travel industry experts attribute this dramatic increase to the limited flight connectivity at Kangra Airport—which handles only eight to 10 daily flights—colliding with an overwhelming surge in demand from fans, corporate travellers, and media crews.
While the cost of travel has become a burden for some, the tournament has provided a vital lifeline to Dharamsala’s hospitality sector. Following a lean period in April and early May, the town’s hotels and restaurants are now seeing a massive influx of visitors. Star-category hotels in Dharamsala and nearby Palampur have already reached full capacity, while occupancy in lower Dharamsala is currently exceeding 90 per cent. Local business owners, including taxi operators and cafe owners, are preparing for a period of brisk trade as the tourist footfall is expected to spread into upper areas such as McLeodganj, Dharamkot, and Bhagsunag.
The excitement is primarily focused on the Punjab Kings, who have designated the picturesque stadium as their home ground for several key matches. The team is scheduled to face the Delhi Capitals on May 11, followed by clashes against the Mumbai Indians on May 14 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 17. Most significantly, the stadium will host the high-stakes Qualifier 1 on May 26. In anticipation of the packed crowds, the district administration and HPCA have implemented rigorous traffic management, parking, and security plans to ensure the smooth conduct of the fixtures.
