Ahmedabad beckons: Airlines add special flights ahead of IND vs NZ final

Cricket fans across the country are gearing up to travel to Ahmedabad as India prepare to face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on March 8. With the blockbuster clash expected to draw a massive crowd to the Narendra Modi Stadium, airlines and railways have begun adding extra travel options to manage the sudden surge in demand.

Air India Express and Akasa Air on Friday announced special flights to Ahmedabad to help fans reach the city for the highly anticipated final. Demand for flights and train tickets tends to spike whenever India reach a major global final, often sending airfares soaring and train seats selling out within minutes.

Despite the challenges, thousands of supporters are expected to travel from across the country to witness the marquee encounter, especially with India chasing another major title. The Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s largest cricket venue, is likely to be packed for the summit clash.

To cope with the rush, airlines have begun increasing seat capacity while closely monitoring booking trends. Both carriers indicated that they may consider adding more flights if demand continues to rise closer to match day.

Air India Express has announced additional services to Ahmedabad from several major cities.

“To facilitate cricket fans travelling to witness the final, the airline will operate additional flights to Ahmedabad from Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. These flights have been scheduled in response to the sharp increase in demand for travel to the city as fans across the country plan to attend the highly anticipated match,” the airline said in a statement.

Akasa Air, meanwhile, said it will operate special direct flights between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on March 8 and March 9, supplementing its existing services on the route. The airline is also planning to add a cricket-themed experience for passengers travelling to the final.

Through its SkyScore feature, Akasa Air passengers will be able to follow live match updates even while in the air. The airline also plans to create a festive atmosphere on board for fans heading to the big game.

Fans gear up for IND vs NZ T20 World Cup final

Railways have also stepped in to handle the demand. Western Railway has announced two special trains between Mumbai and Ahmedabad on special fares, including one scheduled to run on match day, March 8, helping supporters reach the city in time for the final.

The excitement around the match is understandable. India head into the final with a chance to achieve a historic feat in T20 World Cups. After edging past England in a high-scoring semi-final — where Sanju Samson’s explosive knock helped India post 254 — the hosts are now just one win away from defending their title on home soil.

New Zealand, however, arrive with strong momentum. The Black Caps produced a clinical display in their semi-final against South Africa in Kolkata, restricting the Proteas to 168 before openers Tim Seifert and Finn Allen dismantled the chase. The duo powered New Zealand to a nine-wicket victory in just 12.5 overs, setting up a shot at their maiden T20 World Cup title.