Dubai: Expatriates in the Gulf hoping to reunite with their families for Eid al-Adha are facing severe setbacks due to skyrocketing airline ticket prices. Airlines have raised fares by up to four times, capitalizing on the high demand around the holiday period.
With Eid al-Adha falling on June 6 in Gulf countries and public holidays ranging from four to six days, many expatriates had planned short trips to their home countries. However, the sharp rise in ticket prices has made travel unaffordable for many.
For example, the average cost of a round trip from Dubai to Kochi for a single passenger from June 4 to 10 is approximately ₹42,000. For a family of five, the total travel cost exceeds ₹2 lakh, making it extremely difficult for middle-income households to afford the trip without financial strain.
Some expatriates are now being forced to take loans to purchase return tickets for themselves or their families. Others have had to abandon travel plans altogether. The situation is further complicated by the upcoming school summer vacation starting on June 26, which is expected to drive prices even higher.
Families with younger children are trying to travel earlier to avoid peak prices, while those with older students tied to exam schedules have no choice but to pay the inflated rates.
Airlines have kept ticket prices to Kerala high until at least June 8, exacerbating the burden on expatriate communities, particularly Malayalis, who traditionally return home during Eid.
The trend has sparked frustration among travelers, who accuse airlines of exploiting festive demand and ignoring the financial realities faced by migrant workers and families.
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