JEDDAH: Many Asian expatriate workers have abandoned their plans to spend Haj holidays in their home countries because of skyrocketing airfares. An increase in airfare on the eve of a peak holiday session is common, but this year’s hikes at an average of 50 to 70 percent forced many to postpone or put their vacation plans on hold.
Asian expatriates commonly prefer to spend the holidays of Ramadan, Haj and school summer breaks in their native countries. During these peak seasons, fare hikes based on demand and supply are normal.
This year fares are particularly high due to an increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel and various taxes. In addition to that, Haj holiday rush has made airlines to raise fares especially in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Fares for flights to cities in South Asia have already gone beyond the reach of the average expatriate worker.
India’s national carrier Air India charged SR 2,100 to 2,236 for a Jeddah-Hyderabad economy class flight last month. Now they charge SR 3,100 to 3,251 for the same route. Pakistan’s PIA charged SR 2,062 for a Jeddah-Islamabad flight for the same class last month. The current price is SR 3,265. A Cathay Pacific economy class flight from Jeddah to Manila used to cost SR 3,140. It went up to between SR 4,675 and SR 4,900.
In the Eastern Province, Indian expatriates from Kerala state, who constitute a large part of the Indian expatriate community in the Kingdom and the rest of the GCC, were disappointed to see the Dammam-Calicut flight by Air India Express temporarily diverted to transport Haj pilgrims. This led to a temporary fare hike by other carriers. By now all carriers, including Air India Express, are using similar high fares for this route.
There are between eight and 14 subclasses available in the economy class of most airlines that operate in the Kingdom. The faares per subclass vary. Saudi Arabian Airlines has 11 subclasses and Air India has 14 subclasses for their economy class tickets. Slots in lower-priced subclasses are sold out at an early date. Only seats in higher-priced classes are sold as the holidays approach.
Airfares soar as Eid Al-Adha holidays draw near
