Passengers cry foul as airlines hike fares to India up to 30pc

Dubai: A sharp 30 per cent hike in airfares on the Gulf-India sector, during the forthcoming peak holiday season, has left passengers in a lurch as most of them, especially low-income expatriate workers and labourers, are now struggling to pay up the difference — which they can ill afford.Passengers who seek to travel on this sector allege that the airlines are exploiting them by charging a high fare.
They have urged that the Indian government to take necessary steps to curb this practice. When Khaleej Times contacted airline sources, the latter disclosed that due to the expected increase in demand for passenger seats during the peak travel season from Dubai to India, airlines have advised a fare hike — effective from this month until mid-July.
Raj Kumar, Air India's District Sales Manager, said airfare for instance for travel to Bombay during April and May until June 13, there will be a 30 per cent increase to Dh 1,050 for a return economy class ticket. Between June 14 and July 7, there will be another 30 per cent will be added to that fare cost, touching Dh 1,800 per ticket, exclusive of taxes.
02/04/06 Riyasbabu and Criselda E. Diala/Khaleej Times, UAE

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