IndiGo’s recent flight cancellations have caused big problems for travellers across major routes. Many flights were cancelled without alternatives, leaving passengers scrambling for other travel options. This sudden rush has packed private premium buses full and driven up ticket prices. Routes like Bengaluru to Mumbai have been hit hardest. Bus fares shot up from the usual ₹2,000-₹2,500 to between ₹3,000 and ₹8,000. This hike surpasses the original flight ticket cost, sparking anger among passengers who call it profiteering. Other routes showing similar fare spikes include Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Pune, Belagavi, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Trains are full, and flight prices are high, so many travellers felt forced to pay these steep prices. Rajesh Kumar, a Mumbai resident, said, "I had booked my IndiGo ticket to Mumbai for ₹6,500 on Friday, but it was cancelled with no alternative offered. The refund came, but now I’m forced to book a bus seat for ₹7,500. A bus journey costing more than a flight ticket is unbelievable. Operators know we are desperate and are using the situation to squeeze every rupee out of us." Nataraj Sharma, president of the Karnataka Private Bus Owners’ Association, said, "We strongly condemn the exploitation of passengers during moments of distress. A majority of private bus operators in Karnataka have not resorted to such practices. However, we are aware that a few, particularly certain out-of-State operators who enter the market only during high-demand situations, have taken advantage of stranded travellers. This is not reflective of the industry as a whole, and we will be advising our members to maintain fair pricing." Transport officials said they were keeping a close watch. "If any private operator is found to have arbitrarily increased fares to unreasonable levels, we will initiate strict action," an official said. Enforcement teams were sent to verify complaints and act as needed. Meanwhile, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) confirmed their fares remain steady. They noted higher demand on routes to Mumbai, Mangaluru–Pune, and Mangaluru–Mumbai. To help, KSRTC has added extra buses on these busy routes. Travellers continue to face long 14-to 24-hour bus journeys on trips that usually take 2 to 4 hours by plane, as travel chaos unfolds.