Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Dec 16: Aviation is one of the sectors that was hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Suspension of international flights, lockdown etc played havoc with the sector and finances of the airlines. After the Covid19 cases began to fall and vaccination numbers increased, the sector showed signs of becoming vibrant. However, then came Omicron, a variant of the deadly virus. Because of Omicron concerns, the airlines are facing cancellations and low bookings. Therefore, the fares are returning to the pre-corona levels.

The airfare from Dubai to Mangaluru has come down by 50 percent when compared to the prices prevailing in October. The return ticket price to Dubai from here was one lac rupees in October but now the price is Rs 50,000 or less.

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The airlines operating flights to the Middle East increase their fares from June to December because of annual school holidays, Eid and Christmas etc. The prices are doubled during the period from June to December.

In October, layover flight fares were 150 percent of normal prices. From all the airports in India, prices to Dubai cost 200 percent of normal times. Seat capping also influenced the prices. But as the bookings were not much, the prices have been slashed, said an airlines official. He also said that because of this, those who had booked seats earlier are now cancelling them and re-booking at cheaper rates.

Currently, the airfare from Mangaluru to Dubai one way is between Rs 21,000 and Rs 25,000 whereas during the week ends it reaches Rs 30,000. But the ticket cost about Rs 50,000 in October. However, during the last three days, bookings are increasing and the price on return tickets to Dubai has gone up from Rs 45,000 and Rs 51,000, it is said.