Dubai: There is good news for Malayali expatriates in the Gulf who are troubled by the exorbitant flight rates while visiting home.
Salam Airways has introduced cheap flight services in the Fujairah-Karipur sector, providing a big relief to them.
The budget airline will conduct the services via Muscat from Fujairah airport and back on Mondays and Wednesdays, starting on October 2.
The flight to Karipur will leave Fujairah at 7:50 p.m. and reach its destination at 3:20 a.m. the next day. The six-hour flight includes the halt at Muscat. The ticket price is just Rs 8051. Those opting to spend a full day at Muscat, 15 hours and 30 minutes to be exact, can choose the flight departing at 10.20 am.
In the return direction, the flight will depart from Karipur airport at 4.20 a.m. to reach Fujairah at 9.50 a.m., a seven-hour journey. The ticket rate is Rs 12510.
Salam Airways had started services to Thiruvananthapuram as well two months back. Direct flights to Kerala will be introduced in the next phase, the Fujairah airport authorities informed.
The expatriates based in Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al-Khaimah, Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, and Dubai can depend on the Fujairah airport for their travel back. Bus services to nearby Emirates will be introduced soon to facilitate last-mile connectivity for commuters.
The airport authorities have completed discussions with Indian airline companies on starting directing flights. A new service will be introduced in the Fujairah-Hyderabad sector via Muscat on October 2.
Tickets available for Rs 10k
The new services will provide succour to expats, who are bogged down by the soaring airfares. The airfare to Thiruvananthapuram is less than 600 dirhams (Rs 13,000). Those who book in advance can get tickets for 450 dirhams (Rs 10,000). The Non-Resident Keralites in the Gulf now depend on travel via Fujairah airport, at a time when they are forced to dole out Rs 20000 for one-side travel.
