Flight ticket prices soar, NRIs bear the brunt

MALAPPURAM: With schools across the Gulf closing for the summer break, airlines have hiked ticket prices — in some cases, more than doubling — targeting the expatriate families flying home to India.

Airfare hikes have been recorded across all major airports in Kerala — Kannur, Kozhikode, Kochi, and Thiruvananthapuram. Ironically, many of the reputed airlines known for their quality service are leading the surge in fares.

Though Air India Express continues to offer comparatively lower ticket prices, recent controversies surrounding a flight mishap have made passengers hesitant, giving competing airlines an advantage. Many of these airlines now charge nearly twice the fare compared to Air India Express. For example, on the Abu Dhabi–Kozhikode route, a one-way economy class ticket on Etihad Airways is around Rs 50,000, while the same route with Air India Express costs just Rs 21,000. From Jeddah to Kochi, a ticket on Saudia costs Rs 44,000.

Regulation and more seats needed
Currently, the India–UAE air corridor allows only 65,000 seats per week. However, the seasonal passenger volume can reach up to 100,000. Experts suggest that increasing seat quotas through bilateral agreements could significantly reduce fares. The Saudi sector faces similar issues. In response to rising complaints and a stern directive from the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee calling for action against seasonal airfare exploitation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is moving toward fare rationalisation.

Air India fares (One-way, INR)
Dubai – Kozhikode: Rs 22,000 – Rs 24,500
Doha – Kochi: Rs 28,000 – Rs 34,000
Sharjah – Kannur: Rs 22,000 – Rs 23,500
Jeddah – Kozhikode: Rs 36,000 – Rs 43,000
Doha – Thiruvananthapuram: Rs 30,000 – Rs 32,000