India to UAE airfares remain high even after summer break

India to UAE airfares remain high even after summer break

Even as the summer holidays end for educational institutions in the UAE, airfares from popular Indian destinations to the Emirates remain sky high, expatriates and travel agents have said.

In some cases, several families currently in India are waiting until the ticket prices drop so they could return home to the UAE, travel agents revealed.

Airlines have also boosted their capacity as Covid-19 restrictions have ended. Dubai and Mumbai have already been spotted as the world’s busiest, in terms of airline seats, according to a recent report by aviation consultancy OAG.

Moreover, agents have said that ticket prices to Dubai from South Asian destinations are high as the Emirate is currently hosting the Asia Cup. One-way airfares from destinations such as Karachi in Pakistan also average at Dh960 on flydubai and Dh1,185 on Dubai’s flag carrier Emirates airlines.

However, prices from Kerala sector destinations remain unaffordable for the commoner, said aviation expert and managing director of Smart Travels Afi Ahmed. “Kerala is due to celebrate its annual harvest festival Onam on September 8. We’re seeing prices dip only after September 10,” said Ahmed.

“Many families are stuck back home as they cannot afford the return tickets. In some cases, families have chosen to stay behind,