Airfares on the Delhi–Dubai route have surged sharply as Indian workers are being asked to return to their jobs in West Asia even as the conflict continues, according to a report by Times of India. Travel demand has increased after some cities in the region, including Dubai, began resuming normal operations.
Travel agents said a one-way economy class ticket on Emirates from Delhi to Dubai is costing a minimum of Rs 50,000, with average fares ranging between Rs 85,000 and Rs 90,000 until April 5, according to TOI report. Prices are expected to ease gradually after that period. Flights operated by Indian airlines are relatively cheaper, starting at around Rs 40,000.
Also read: Saudi Arabia extends validity of visit visas till April 18 as travel disruptions persist
Limited flights, high demand drive fares
“The UAE has restricted the number of flights by foreign operators. Most people are opting for Emirates flights to get to Dubai on which the fares are very high till April 5. Dubai has controlled inventory and being asked to return means shelling out this amount or facing the consequences. Emirates' low cost arm FlyDubai is a shade cheaper with fares starting at Rs 35,000-40,000,” said a travel agent to TOI.
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Passengers are also exploring alternative routes. One option includes flying to Abu Dhabi on IndiGo and then travelling by road to Dubai, which costs about Rs 30,000 in airfare.
Also read: Surging flight costs set to hit summer travel demand
Many Indians working in West Asia had sent their families back home after February 28 due to the conflict. Now, as employers ask workers to return, travel demand has increased.
“I told my employer I need to go to Saudi with my wife and child and then take a flight from there to India. I was told if my services were required I will be called any time and not reporting to work will mean losing job. The transit Saudi visa for us did not come in time... I sent my family via Qatar Airways and stayed back,” an Indian working in Qatar told TOI.
(With TOI inputs)
Travel agents said a one-way economy class ticket on Emirates from Delhi to Dubai is costing a minimum of Rs 50,000, with average fares ranging between Rs 85,000 and Rs 90,000 until April 5, according to TOI report. Prices are expected to ease gradually after that period. Flights operated by Indian airlines are relatively cheaper, starting at around Rs 40,000.
Also read: Saudi Arabia extends validity of visit visas till April 18 as travel disruptions persist
Limited flights, high demand drive fares
“The UAE has restricted the number of flights by foreign operators. Most people are opting for Emirates flights to get to Dubai on which the fares are very high till April 5. Dubai has controlled inventory and being asked to return means shelling out this amount or facing the consequences. Emirates' low cost arm FlyDubai is a shade cheaper with fares starting at Rs 35,000-40,000,” said a travel agent to TOI.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
Passengers are also exploring alternative routes. One option includes flying to Abu Dhabi on IndiGo and then travelling by road to Dubai, which costs about Rs 30,000 in airfare.
Also read: Surging flight costs set to hit summer travel demand
Many Indians working in West Asia had sent their families back home after February 28 due to the conflict. Now, as employers ask workers to return, travel demand has increased.
“I told my employer I need to go to Saudi with my wife and child and then take a flight from there to India. I was told if my services were required I will be called any time and not reporting to work will mean losing job. The transit Saudi visa for us did not come in time... I sent my family via Qatar Airways and stayed back,” an Indian working in Qatar told TOI.
(With TOI inputs)
