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Passengers find connecting flights more cost-effective
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Families holidaying in their hometown of India are finding it difficult to return directly to the UAE, possibly due to overpriced or no tickets. Many of them choose to reach Dubai via other GCC countries.
According to Bharat Aidasani, managing partner of Pluto Travels, direct flights from India to the UAE are relatively expensive as families are planning to go back to school. “Many of them choose to travel through GCC countries such as Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait because of the low fares from Indian cities to these destinations and the good connectivity to the UAE,” Adasani said. Traveling from one GCC country takes more than four hours. India to UAE.
Smart Travels managing director Afi Ahmed told Cali era“A one-way ticket from India to Oman is about AED 900. After that, passengers can immediately take a connecting flight to any destination in the UAE.”
On the other hand, a one-way return ticket from various destinations in India ranges from Dh1,500 to Dh1,900. Most of the time, premium airlines like Emirates are sold out. “Passengers also have the option of taking a bus from Oman back to the UAE for Dh55. Some also choose to drive back,” explains Ahmed.
It is an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective way to travel, he added. “For example, people going to Oman are people who have not booked a return ticket for a trip to India. They want to find a better return price. While individual passengers only save Dh500, for families and larger travelers, It makes sense,” he added.
Passengers can obtain a visa upon arrival at Muscat International Airport and enter the country without problems. “Many of them belong to the low- and middle-income group. However, they are all travelling at their own risk. Those who choose this route may face challenges,” he added.
Raja Mir Wasim, manager of Galadari International Travel Services, said airfares had fallen slightly this week. “But from next week, fares are likely to rise further due to very high demand,” Wasim said.
Taha Siddique, director of Siddique Travels, said he had booked more than 30 flights from Mumbai to Dubai via Muscat and Kannur, Kerala. “Many of my clients prefer to depart from Muscat and stay for a few days. I have been applying for Oman visas for my clients since August 5th.”
According to him, there is a demand for air tickets to the UAE via Oman every day. The family opted out to make the final stop of their vacation in Oman. “As schools start in the first week of September, parents are willing to take their children on trips to the many scenic spots in Oman, preferably Muscat and Salalah,” Taha added.
Taha, commenting on fares, said many of his clients’ families and large groups saved nearly 50 per cent compared to direct flights to Dubai. “Airfare from Kannur or Mumbai to Muscat costs Dh400 to Dh500, Oman visa costs Dh100 and a private bus from Muscat costs Dh100. So The total cost of the entire trip is much less. Plus, families can spend four days in Oman and still save some cash,” Taha added.
Reporter @khaleejtimes.com
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