PUNE: The current return fares of flights to different Indian cities from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), considered to be amongst the most popular destinations from Pune as well, are extremely low, even as India relaxes international travel norms from Monday onwards.
While fares from India to the UAE remain at par with regular rates, the low return airfares are in some cases were even lesser than domestic fares. Travel companies say that one primary reason for this is the lack of clarity on part of airlines, resulting in many people, especially expats, waiting for more clarity about regulations first before travelling.
"Travel to the UAE is always in high demand from major cities of India, with Dubai Expo 2020 and Dubai Shopping Festival adding further allure. Airfares from UAE to India were high between October and December as people travelled back home. At present, we see a 50% fall in one-way fares from Dubai to Mumbai. Demand is expected to return during spring and summer holidays, resulting in prices going back to their usual range," said Indiver Rastogi, president and group head (global business travel) for Thomas Cook (India) and SOTC.
Nilesh Bhansali, director of the Travel Agents Association of Pune (TAAP) told TOI, "If airfares are low, it means demand is low. Even with relaxations, we haven't heard from airlines.We have contacted some airlines, who said they will provide us with information soon."
Travel agents also cited other reasons. "The UAE has not provided any relaxations and one needs an RT-PCR report and also a rapid test to travel from India. Apart from making sure to wait to verify regulations from airlines, those intending to travel to India also want to wait because Covid cases are still on the decline," another travel company representative said.
Satish Saubar, who lives in Dubai, hasn't taken a vacation home to Mumbai for over a year. He said he was hoping that the UAE relaxes restrictions, too. "Travelling back to Dubai is a hassle and one needs many documents. I am waiting for some examples wherein a person came back without hassles. I have decided to wait for a month more," Saubar said.
