Etihad Airways to return to flights between Kolkata and Abu Dhabi on March 26 | Kolkata News

Calcutta: Etihad Airways The airline, which last flew to Kolkata before India’s skies closed following the outbreak of the pandemic, announced in March 2020 that it was resuming operations, spreading cheers among leaflets and travel agents.The flight will be between Kolkata and Abu Dhabi Starting March 26th.
Etihad’s return will add more than 1,100 seats per week to the West. What’s more, members of the travel industry want increased capacity and competition to drive down fares to Europe and the US.

“In the post-Covid situation, ticket prices in Europe and the US have increased significantly. The entry of Etihad Airways should change the situation and lead to a reduction in ticket prices by 10-15%,” said the Association of Indian Travel Agents, Chairman (East Asia). ) Manav Soni.
This means revising the average fare for an economy class round-trip ticket to the US from Rs 1.5 lakh currently to Rs 1.2-1.3 lakh next year. Economy fares to and from Europe can also be revised from Rs 100,000 to Rs 85,000-90,000.
While Etihad operates seven flights a week, it won’t be daily. On Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, the airline will operate two flights a week, one in the early hours of the day and one in the evening. On Thursday, it will only operate an early flight from Kolkata at 4.35am.
Soni expects many US-bound passengers to choose Etihad because it allows immigration or immigration clearance in Abu Dhabi. This can save up to two hours in immigration lines upon arrival in the United States.
Thai Airways will also return to Kolkata on January 1 with a daily service. It will replace sister airline Thai Smile, which currently operates between Kolkata and Bangkok. Federation of Indian Travel Agents President (East) Anil Punjab said they have contacted other international airlines including Air India to reopen their flights.