The upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Dharamsala have triggered a sharp spike in air fares on the Delhi-Dharamsala route, with ticket prices touching as high as Rs 24,000 ahead of the high-voltage cricket fixtures at the iconic Himachal Pradesh Cricket Stadium.The scenic stadium, nestled against the snow-clad Dhauladhar ranges, is set to host four IPL matches this season, including a crucial play-off clash. With fans, corporate travellers, media crews and team supporters rushing to the hill town, flight demand has surged dramatically over the past few days.Travel operators said fares in the sector, which usually hover between Rs 5,000 and Rs 7,000, have nearly tripled for match dates ranging between Rs 18,000 to 24,000.This is not the first time that airfares have skyrocketed ahead of major events. It is a common occurrence during peak travel seasons and events. Travel industry experts attributed the fare surge to limited flight connectivity at Kangra airport, coupled with a sudden rise in demand.Kangra airport handles eight to 10 flights, arrivals and departures, daily. The number increases on weekends. Prices typically soar whenever the town hosts major sporting or cultural events.While air fares have skyrocketed, the franchise tournament has given a much-needed boost to the hospitality industry of Dharamsala, which had been witnessing a lean phase.The excitement is centred around Punjab Kings, which will play its home fixtures in Dharamsala.Punjab Kings will play against Delhi Capitals on May 11, Mumbai Indians on May 14 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on 17. The picturesque Dharamsala stadium hosts the qualifier 1 on May 26.The franchise’s matches in the hill town have consistently attracted packed crowds, with cricket fans eager to experience IPL action at one of the world’s most picturesque cricket venues.While star-category hotels in Dharamsala and nearby Palampur are full to capacity, occupancy has also surged in smaller hotels.Local businesses are also preparing for a major influx of visitors. Taxi operators, cafe owners, restaurants and souvenir shops expect brisk business during the tournament.Ashwani Kumar Bamba, the president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association, said Dharamsala saw a lean April and the first week of May. However, with the upcoming IPL matches, the star-category hotels are full to capacity. “Lower Dharamsala, too, is witnessing a surge in occupancy. In the coming days, Upper Dharamsala, which includes McLeodganj, Dharamkot and Bhagsunag, is also set to see a rise in occupancy,” he said.Kangra District Tourism Development Officer Vinay Dhiman said hotel occupancy was hitting above 90 per cent in lower Dharamsala and tourist footfall will surely rise in upper areas too.Meanwhile, the district administration and HPCA have made elaborate arrangements for the matches. The authorities are working on traffic regulation plans, parking arrangements and crowd management measures to handle the expected rush around the stadium area. Security deployment is also being strengthened in view of the large spectator turnout anticipated during the fixtures.