THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Airlines are literally robbing expatriates who set out to return to UAE before the ban on Indians amid the Covid situation.
Tickets ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 13,000 and was hike to Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000.
Airlines such as Air India, Air Arabia and Fly Dubai have all increased fares. Within two weeks, the number of travelers was increasing rapidly as the UAE imposed a ban on visitors and transit visa holders.
The Thiruvananthapuram-Dubai flight ticket on Air India Express, which was below Rs 10,000, was hiked to Rs 38,000 yesterday. The Kannur-Sharjah flight was priced at Rs 9,000 rised to Rs 40,000. Fly Dubai charges Rs 80,000 to travel from Kochi to Dubai via Delhi.
The expatriates rushed to return, fearing that the travel ban would be extended for at least 10 days.
The ban came into effect from midnight yesterday, making it difficult for those who bought tickets to return after the Eid holidays. Among them are those who have returned home for marriage and treatment and those whose visas will expire within 10 days. Many have cut short their vacations and returned in anticipation of the ban. Qatar and Bahrain are admitting Indians with restrictions.