Expats on vacation feel the pinch as airfares rise, will have to spend lakhs for return journey

DUBAI: A major setback to the expatriates who have reached their hometowns to spend vacation after the closure of schools. Many of the airlines have increased ticket prices in anticipation of the return of expatriate families as schools reopen. The schools in UAE open on June 2. The price is now higher than the ticket price in the first week of this month. With this, each family will have to set aside lakhs for travel expenses alone.

It is hinted that the price will increase further with Bakrid being celebrated in the first week of June. The mid-summer vacation begins on June 26. Therefore, if the high price is to be reduced now, will have to wait until mid-September. Until then, expatriate families will have to set aside lakhs to return. Schools in the UAE closed in March. Many families had flown home for the holidays. They have to return to the UAE.

If one-way ticket was available for 400 dirhams in the first week of this month, the price is now over 900 dirhams. Expatriates believe that if they delay booking further, the price will increase sharply. A family of four will have to spend at least 4,000 dirhams to return.

Some airlines operating flights to the UAE will show lower fares on their websites, but when you provide information and proceed, you will have to pay more if you want to carry 30 kg of luggage. Although connecting flights are available at lower prices, the difference is only around 200 dirhams.