With the lockdown in Delhi due to the G20 leaders summit and city's closure from September 8 and September 10 leading to long weekend, Delhites are exploring travel destinations within driving distance.

The Summit has led to a noticeable increase in bookings for weekend getaways. Domestic airlines, hotels, and short-haul outbound destinations are reaping the benefits.

Destinations such as Sawai Madhopur, Manesar, Amritsar, Vrindavan, Agra, Udaipur, and Jaipur are amongst the most popular searched destinations by Delhites. Even Rishikesh and Corbett National Park witnessed traction, though the plains are the first choice over hill-stations. Other popular destinations include Goa, Port Blair, Chandigarh, and Kochi.

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head, Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC Travel, said: “The closure of schools and businesses during the G20 Summit in Delhi has resulted in a surge in demand for short breaks.”

Thomas Cook’s data reveals a substantial 30-40 per cent surge in demand for drivable locations.

Booking.com has witnessed an increase in search for accommodations across destinations such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Varanasi, Agra, and Amritsar, and is expecting demand to further pick up closer to the dates.

In addition to demand for domestic travel, short-haul outbound destinations have emerged strong, including Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Maldives, Mauritius, Dubai-Abu Dhabi and Oman.

Sabina Chopra, COO, Corporate Travel & Head Industry Relations, Yatra Online Ltd, said airfare hikes have been limited due to customers booking destinations within driving distance, just 4-5 days before their trips. However, Thomas Cook has reported a marginal 5-10 per cent increase in airfares for September holiday destinations.

With an estimated 73,000 domestic and 30,000 international air arrivals, Delhi’s skies are bustling.