Airfares to Colombo have risen sharply as the highly anticipated India-Pakistan T20 World Cup match scheduled for February 15, 2026 approaches. Following official confirmation that the match will go ahead after earlier uncertainty, demand for flights from major cities has pushed prices into levels typically seen only during peak holiday periods. One-way and round-trip fares from several Indian cities have tripled or more compared with normal rates, with some return tickets now costing the equivalent of Dh4,000 or higher for travel around the match weekend. Fares from the UAE to Colombo have also increased, though they remain comparatively lower than from India itself due to different baseline pricing and overall capacity.
The surge has been driven by a combination of intense interest from cricket fans, limited seat availability during the narrow travel window, and the high-profile nature of the India-Pakistan rivalry. Prices rose sharply in the hours after the match was confirmed, reflecting how short supply and strong demand interact in airline pricing. Travel agents say the trend has been consistent across multiple departure cities, with many flights already filling up well in advance of the fixture.
In addition to tickets, accommodation costs in Colombo have also climbed as fans rush to secure rooms, mirroring the aviation price increases and underscoring the broader impact of the marquee cricket clash on travel and tourism.
