Airfares rise above 20pc in UAE-India sector

Dubai: UAE-based Indian expatriates looking forward to celebrating Diwali back home should act promptly in booking their flight tickets.

Airfares to most Indian cities have already increased by 15 to 20 per cent compared to the October rates. Furthermore, as the Diwali festival approaches closer, set for November 12, airfares are expected to further escalate, particularly during the first week of November.

Rashid Abbas, Managing Director of Arooha Travels, said, “Airfares to India had dropped drastically after the summer highs. Due to lower demand, return airfares were available for Dh780 to Dh1,100 to most destinations in India from September until the second week of October.” Now that the Dussehra festivities have begun, fares have started to climb steadily, said Abbas. “Families are travelling to India for weeklong getaways for the festive season,” he added.

In some cases, travellers are also opting for layover flights to other Indian airports. “For example, instead of taking a direct Dubai- Bengaluru — Dubai flight, travellers are having a layover at Delhi, which offers fares at least Dh700 cheaper,” said Abbas. Direct flights from Dubai to Bengaluru are Dh1,482 for travel from November 6 to 15. An Air India flight via Delhi costs Dh782.

“It also depends on the hours travellers must spend at the connecting airport. If it’s a one-two hour layover, passengers are immediately booking the layover option. However, if the layover time exceeds 4 hours, they choose direct flights,” said Wasim Ansari of Travel Square Tourism.