UAE-India Airfare Drop: Why Aren’t Residents Traveling?
Airfares from the UAE to India have dropped to record lows. Some one-way tickets now cost as little as Dh220. Travel agents expected a rush, but outbound bookings remain surprisingly low.
Low Fares Fail to Attract Travelers
Families, who usually travel during school terms, are staying home. Smart Travels chairman Afi Ahmed says even Dh155 tickets to Kannur, Kerala, are not selling fast. Rashid Abbas from Arooha Travels adds that while many people are flying into the UAE, few are leaving.
Currently, one-way fares from Dubai to Indian cities are very cheap:
- Dubai to Mumbai: Dh295
- Dubai to Kochi: Dh223
- Dubai to Thiruvananthapuram: Dh250
- Dubai to Chennai: Dh356
- Dubai to Bengaluru: Dh422
Despite these low fares, travel agents struggle to fill planes.
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High Return Fares Deter Travelers
Many travelers hesitate because return flights remain expensive. A round trip to Mumbai costs Dh765. Flights to Pune or Kochi range from Dh769 to Dh777. These higher return fares discourage people from booking, even with cheap one-way tickets.
Seasonal Factors Affect Travel
School schedules also affect travel plans. Parents prefer keeping children in the UAE during term time. Travel agents note a steady drop in outbound trips until the school holidays start.
Expecting a Travel Boom Soon
Experts believe travel demand will rise in October. School holidays and the Diwali festival will encourage families to fly. Early bookings show people are planning return trips for the festive season. Travel agents hope the UAE-India airfare drop will finally lead to busier flights.
The UAE-India airfare drop is great news for travelers. However, high return fares and school schedules keep people home. Travel agents expect a surge once holidays begin. Families are likely to book more tickets closer to Diwali, making the upcoming weeks crucial for airlines.
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