Abu Dhabi: The airfare from the Gulf region to Kerala has skyrocketed up to three times since the UAE announced week-long holiday for Eid Al Fitr. Expatriates settled here may have to spend exorbitant amounts to celebrate Eid and Vishu in Kerala. Besides, the Lok Sabha elections in India too is a major reason why people have been travelling from UAE to Kerala in huge numbers. However, it is assumed that the airfares will further go up in the coming weeks too.
Until a week ago, a one-way air ticket from Dubai to Kochi could be purchased for AED 400 (Rs 9096). But, now it has gone up to AED 1200 (Rs 27,289). The charges for the remaining few seats keep increasing. The tickets are pricier even for the connection flights that fly via other countries. Meanwhile, the Gulf-settled expatriates are worried that their dreams of visiting their homeland will be shattered if the air tickets become expensive and unaffordable.
The airfare to UAE too has increased since the schools in Kerala are closed for the summer vacation. In such a scenario, a family of four may have to spend a hefty amount to fly to Kerala and back. Air travelling would break the bank in case you are trying to fly your family. The number of people travelling to different countries has increased since the UAE government has allowed a generous nine–day long vacation, including the weekends and days of Eid Al Fitr, for public sector employees.
Meanwhile, experts in this field point out that those who are unable to fly to Kerala are going to foreign countries to enjoy a short trip. The airports in UAE are buzzing with passengers as people from all over the world are visiting the country to celebrate Eid Al Fitr. Hotel rooms too have become expensive as there is a sudden surge in the number of tourists visiting the UAE.
