Abu Dhabi: Air fares on the India-United Arab Emirates (UAE) sector continue to burn a hole in the pockets of ordinary travellers. According to travel agencies, lack of adequate aircraft to meet the demand for seats has led to the situation. “The fares will come down to the normal levels only after airlines start regular services. At present, they are conducting limited services in view of the global pandemic,” said a travel agent.
High ticket rates
The lowest fare available on Monday, October 25, on the UAE sector is for the Kochi-Sharjah Air Arabia flight – Rs 19,500 to 20,800. At the same time, a seat to Dubai on the Fly Dubai service would cost Rs 26,900 to 28,200; on Air India Express Rs 28,500; Spice Jet Rs 38,500; Emirates Rs 48,500 and on Indigo’s connection flight Rs 40,000.
Travel agents said that a ticket to Abu Dhabi would cost an additional Rs 3,000 to 6,000.
Apart from the flight tickets, each passenger has to spend over Rs 3,000 on two PCR tests for COVID-19 in order to travel to the UAE. “In total, a four-member family flying to the UAE from India would have to pay over Rs one lakh for a one-way trip,” said the agent. In other words, a one-way ticket for a single traveller costs around Rs 25,000. Incidentally, before the pandemic struck, passengers from UAE could make a return trip to India at a mere Rs 15,000 during the months of October and November.
