Hyderabad: A trip home for Diwali is turning into an expensive affair for Indians working abroad, with airfares from the Gulf countries and Europe soaring by over 400%, making festive reunions with families a costly proposition.
A direct one-way flight from London to Hyderabad is costing a staggering Rs 2.5 lakh, against the usual Rs 60,000 to Rs 80,000. Those opting for connecting flights through Arab countries are also facing higher fares, with the cheapest tickets starting at around Rs 70,000. Because of the uncertainty and unrest in the region, many of us could not travel home in the past few months.
Unlike the extended winter or Christmas holidays, these are usually short trips lasting just three to five days,” said Moez Meghani of Max Travel. Many who skipped their usual trips home during the past few months are now hoping to make it back for Diwali, adding to the demand and pushing fares to unprecedented levels, travel agents said. We were hoping to make it home for Diwali, but ticket prices have gone through the roof,” said N Karthik, who works in Dubai.
With travel demand peaking ahead of the festival, one-way fares from the UAE, particularly Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah to Hyderabad, have witnessed a sharp spike. The fare shock is even more pronounced for passengers flying in from the UK. Travel agents attributed the surge to festive demand coupled with pent-up travel plans among the Indian diaspora. “Traditionally, a large number of working-class Indians employed in the UAE make a quick dash home during Diwali to celebrate with their families. This year, the rush has been further fuelled by Indians who postponed visits to their hometowns amid recent war-related unrest in the region. “We usually visit Hyderabad during Diwali for three to four days and return to work. But this time, a one-way ticket itself is costing more than what we normally spend on a round trip. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad