HYDERABAD: West Asia crisis pushes airfares up
HYDERABAD: The war in West Asia has disrupted aviation services, affecting flights from Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. Several services have been suspended, leaving passengers stranded in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
With Dubai airport shut and Gulf airspace restrictions in place, fares have surged sharply. A one-way ticket from Hyderabad to New York, which usually costs up to ₹75,000, has risen to ₹1,03,855. A Paris ticket has increased from ₹86,269 to ₹93,868. Fares to the United Kingdom have gone up to ₹63,534.
Travel agents said flights from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai to the United States and Europe are now operating via the Pacific Ocean, doubling travel costs.
Hyderabad has direct flights to Ethiopia. Passengers who must travel are opting for African routes. Authorities have also allowed diversions via Rome, Italy, leading to further fare increases, said Harikishan, founder of Valmiki Travels in Secunderabad.
Daily footfall drops at Shamshabad airport
On regular days, over 15,000 passengers travel daily from Hyderabad to the United States, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Britain. With services disrupted, passenger numbers have dropped sharply, airport sources said.
International tickets are typically booked three to six months in advance. Only 25 per cent of bookings are emergency travel. Many have now altered plans due to the crisis, said CH Bhadhav Verma of Trips Travels.
Security tightened at UAE, US missions
Police have stepped up security outside the UAE Consulate General office at Banjara Hills Road No. 5-12. Many from Telugu states visit the office for Saudi visas. With airports in Dubai, Kuwait, Oman and Abu Dhabi shut, travellers from Hyderabad have cancelled tours. Flights to and from Saudi Arabia have also been halted.
Security has also been increased near the residence of the US Consul General in Jubilee Hills Road No. 1 since Sunday morning.
The Iran Consulate General office at Banjara Hills Road No. 7 wore a deserted look after the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The premises, usually crowded with visitors and visa applicants, remained empty. The consulate also hosts voting during Iranian elections and organises iftar gatherings during Ramzan. This year, no iftar is being held.
