Mangaluru witnesses a surge in airfares from Gulf countries as Ramzan and Easter coincide this month. The one-way nonstop flight from Dubai to Mangaluru in the first week of April has reached a staggering Rs 70,000, prompting concerns among expatriates and airline executives. Similar increases in airfare are observed from other Gulf countries to Mangaluru due to the overlapping holidays.
Expatriates preparing to travel back to their hometowns during this period are facing considerably higher fares, expected to persist until May. Round trip flight prices typically range around Rs 30,000 from Mangaluru to Dubai. However, during the first week of April, one-way direct flight ticket prices to Mangaluru International Airport are notably high: Rs 51,000 from Dammam, Rs 70,000 from Dubai, Rs 45,000 from Abu Dhabi, and Rs 53,000 from Doha.
Aviation enthusiasts highlight the substantial increase in weekend fares compared to weekdays. Additionally, flights to Bengaluru from Gulf countries are notably more affordable than those to Mangaluru, with direct flights from Dubai to Bengaluru costing about half the price. Expatriates express concerns over these exorbitant prices deterring travel to India.
Adding to the concerns, flight fares from Dubai to Kannur airport stand at around Rs 30,000, while they are significantly higher at Rs 40,000 to Mangaluru International Airport, despite the shorter distance between the two airports.
