MALAPPURAM: Airlines have raised ticket prices significantly, up to five times their usual rates, targeting non-residents returning to the Gulf during the Onam festival. For instance, the budget airline Air India Express recently charged between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for a one-way ticket from Kerala to Dubai. Conversely, a return ticket from Dubai to Kerala costs as low as Rs 6,000. This trend is similar across other Gulf countries.

With the reopening of schools in the Gulf after the mid-summer break, both families and vacationers are rushing to return, driving up ticket prices to Gulf destinations. This surge in fares is most notable in the Saudi Arabia and UAE sectors, where a substantial number of expatriate passengers reside. In contrast, the number of passengers traveling from the Gulf to Kerala is comparatively lower.

For a family of four from Kerala, the cost of traveling to Jeddah can be exorbitant requiring approximately one and a half lakh rupees. Air India Express charges Rs 31,000 per person for this route. Furthermore, it's expected that fares on foreign flights will continue to rise. The price difference between direct and connecting flights is not significant mainly due to the seasonal nature of these fluctuations. While the direct flight from Kochi to Riyadh takes around six hours connecting flights can extend the journey to ten to 15 hours. This poses a challenge for families traveling with children who may prefer the convenience of direct flights, despite the higher fares.