Mangaluru - Dubai over Rs 50 k one way airfare dampen the spirits of coastal residents

Mangaluru, Jun 25: The sudden increase in airfare from Dubai to Mangaluru has posed a significant challenge for middle-class families residing in the Gulf nation. coastal residents With summer holidays underway in Dubai and Bakrid festival approaching, many natives of coastal districts who live in Dubai plan to visit their hometown during this time of the year. However, the exorbitant airfare has forced numerous families to reconsider their travel plans. As of June 25, the one-way ticket price on Air India Express was Rs 53,887 for June 26, it was Rs 50,471. In IndiGo, the prices stood at Rs 50,582 and Rs 52,000, respectively. For a family of four, the cost of tickets alone would amount to Rs 2 lakhs. However, the ticket prices from Mangaluru to Dubai are relatively low, with tickets available for as low as Rs 12,000 to Rs 15,000. The ticket prices from Kozhikode and Mumbai to Dubai are even lower. Currently, Air India Express and IndiGo are the only airlines offering direct flights from Mangaluru to Dubai. During the summer holidays in Dubai, tickets are in high demand, especially for families with children and elderly members who prefer direct flights. Previously, SpiceJet from Mangaluru, GoAir from Kannur, and Go First from Kannur offered tickets at lower prices. Some passengers would purchase tickets at special fares and group discounts, selling them to travel agents at a lower commission. This allowed passengers to fly from Mangaluru at a discounted rate, saving Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000.   (Source: Daijiworld)