As UAE-India summer fares peak, many Indian expats catch flights from Ras Al Khaimah for 10-15% savings

As UAE-India summer fares peak, many Indian expats catch flights from Ras Al Khaimah for 10-15% savings

Dubai: As UAE to India tickets shoot past Dh3,000 on average early into the Summer season, more Indian expats are catching their flights from Ras Al Khaimah to save on costs. Even if it means the journey will be longer as it involves a transit through Muscat. Flights via Muscat from Ras Al Khaimah offers expat Indians a 10-15 per cent lower rate compared to direct flights to India from Dubai or Sharjah. “This alternative proves especially beneficial for those who had made forward bookings with Go Air (the budget Indian carrier that’s still grounded because of financial issues),” said Afi Ahmed, Managing Director of Smart Travels. “Due to the surge in summer-time fares after May 15, many travellers had to rearrange their plans, leading them to consider this transit option through Muscat.” Direct Dubai-to-Chennai flights, for instance, are priced at Dh 4,095 (on Emirates) for July 1 to August 15 travel. However, a layover in Muscat can bring the fare down to Dh2,435 (on Oman Air) or Dh2,505 (flying Gulf Air). “While it brings up the travel time to six hours compared to the four hours needed on a direct Dubai-to-Chennai flight, residents are willing to make an exception