Hotel Searches Jump 6× and Airfares Rise 34% as India AI Summit Draws Global Delegates

Travel Demand Surges Ahead of India AI Summit 2026

As New Delhi prepares to host the India AI Summit 2026 from February 16–20, travel demand is rising sharply across both hotels and flights. Travel platforms and hotel operators report that interest has surged weeks in advance, driven by corporate delegations, global technology leaders, and policymakers expected to attend the event. 

Hotel Searches and Room Pricing Trends

According to travel portal data, searches for hotels in New Delhi have jumped about 6× month‑on‑month, reflecting strong interest in accommodation bookings during the summit window. Hotel occupancies and average daily rates are climbing rapidly, particularly in five‑star properties in central Delhi and across the Delhi NCR region. Suites and premium rooms in many luxury hotels are being booked out, while available inventory is commanding high prices. 

Airfares Also on the Rise

Air travel data shows that bookings to Delhi for the summit dates have increased around 34% domestically compared with earlier periods. At the same time, airfares for travel during the summit are generally higher than the same time last year, reflecting elevated demand. A significant share of travellers are booking short‑duration round trips, indicating a preference for purpose‑driven travel focused on attending summit events. 

Consumers and Pricing Debate

Steep hotel pricing has triggered consumer backlash, with some surveys showing that many travellers want government price ceilings or formal mechanisms to address concerns about dynamic pricing during large events.

Conclusion

With global delegates, business leaders and technology experts converging on New Delhi for the India AI Summit 2026, both hotel demand and airfares have surged significantly. The travel spike highlights how major international events can impact local hospitality and aviation markets, pushing occupancy and pricing to new levels.