A significant surge in airline ticket prices has been observed as school vacations commence in Gulf countries, with fares skyrocketing up to 200% above normal rates. Major airlines have sharply increased fares, compelling expatriates to pay exorbitant amounts to return home to Kerala for vacations.
Fares to Kozhikode, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur airports have seen substantial hikes. For instance, the fare from Jeddah to Kozhikode, previously below Rs 12,000, has surged to Rs 41,864. Similarly, rates to Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur are now Rs 38,684, Rs 39,847, and Rs 44,586 respectively.
From Abu Dhabi, ticket prices that were Rs 10,650 have escalated to Rs 32,535 for Kozhikode, and to Rs 30,065, Rs 28,091, and Rs 34,805 for Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur respectively. Dubai to Kerala fares have also risen from Rs 12,000 to Rs 29,600-30,880, while Sharjah rates surged from Rs 8,000 to Rs 30,000-34,100.
Expatriate families typically travel to Kerala in July during Gulf school vacations, prompting airlines to capitalize on the high demand. With current rates, a family of four could spend an average of Rs 1 lakh solely on travel expenses. Similar high rates are anticipated for expatriates returning to the UAE in September and October, compounding the financial burden on Gulf-based Malayalis.
