Dubai: If India goes ahead and restores normal airline services to the UAE and other countries from November 1, ticket rates could see an immediate drop.
Based on initial bookings data, fares from New Delhi to Dubai could drop to Dh900-Dh1,7000 in the initial days of November, while those from Mumbai could drop below Dh2,000. Kochi-Dubai flights start from Dh960, and one from Thiruvananthapuram can cost up to Dh1,800.
Meanwhile, flights from Dubai to New Delhi and Mumbai, which until last month were Dh300 to Dh500 could see significant increases. Apart from rapidly increasing fares, passengers from India also have to bear the cost of a Rapid PCR test, which has to be taken within six hours of departure. Depending on the airport in India, these can cost Dh190–Dh220.
“Rapid PCR kits are expensive – there is a travel agreement between India and UAE which mandates the COVID testing before boarding the flight for UAE. Also, for Europe,” said a user on a Twitter thread where people were bemoaning the high cost of testing at Indian airports.
Restoring services
Whatever be the immediate impact on rates, November 1 will mark a significant change for global airlines on their India prospects. After postponing the resumption of international services multiple times, India’s civil aviation authorities finally set November for a return after the COVID-19 created disruption.
Until now, India has had a…