Kolkata: Amid the Israel-Iran conflict, thousands of passengers stranded in Gulf countries are facing a double blow, no flights home and skyrocketed ticket prices for the few flights that are available and Kolkata bound passengers are among the hardest hit.
As per a Times of India report, flight ticket prices from Dubai to Kolkata have shot up six to seven times, pinching passengers pocket in the time of crisis. What used to cost around Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 for a Dubai-Kolkata ticket is now touching Rs 1.2 to 1.4 lakh for travel on March 6, as limited seat availability and high demand push fares to unprecedented levels.
Why Kolkata Passengers Are Worst Hit
While major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru continue to receive multiple daily flights from Dubai, Kolkata currently has only one direct flight operating as Iran-Israel closed its airspace. This has made the situation particularly difficult for passengers headed to the city, with demand far outstripping the few seats available.
Ticket prices to other cities, though elevated, remain significantly lower. On March 6, fares from Dubai to Chennai ranged between Rs 47,000 and Rs 85,000, Mumbai between Rs 56,000 and Rs 98,000, Delhi between Rs 62,000 and Rs 87,000, Hyderabad between Rs 52,000 and Rs 56,000, and Kochi between Rs 36,000 and Rs 90,000.
Anil Punjabi, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents Federation of India, pointed to the simple demand-supply problem. “With only one flight between Dubai and Kolkata so far, demand far exceeded supply. If airlines allow additional flights on this sector, fares will automatically come down and passengers will get much-needed relief,” he said, as per TOI report.
Also Read: ‘No Clarity on Return’: Bengaluru Passengers Stranded For A Week in Gulf Amid Israel-Iran Conflict
Anjani Dhanuka, chairman (east) of the Travel Agents Association of India, called for urgent government intervention. “The govt should take appropriate steps to bring citizens back to the country on priority whenever such situations occur. Alternative routes should be arranged for flights to operate safely instead of simply cancelling services and remaining silent,” he said.
Travel agents warn that unless additional flights are introduced soon, fares on the Dubai-Kolkata route are likely to remain steep as stranded passengers continue to compete for the handful of seats available.
