Ticket prices rise up to 30% as jet fuel surges and overseas Pakistanis return home for celebrations
Serene Air plane at Karachi airport on August 18, 2021. Photo: Serene Air
KARACHI:
Airfares for domestic and international travel have increased sharply following Eidul Fitr, due to increased seasonal demand and rising fuel costs.
According to airline sources, ticket prices have increased significantly in Chand Raat and during the Eid period, with domestic fares increasing by 15-20% compared to usual fares a day before Eid. In some cases, passengers purchased tickets up to 30% more expensive.
Sources attributed the increase to the Eid travel rush as well as the recent rise in jet fuel prices.
Jet fuel prices have emerged as a major challenge, driving up operating costs, with European prices doubling and Asian prices rising nearly 80% since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.
Read: International departures from Pakistan fall by half
Fuel is the industry’s second largest expense after labor, typically accounting for a fifth to a quarter of operating costs.
Despite the rise in fares, domestic air travel saw a slight decline, while inbound international travel increased, with more Pakistanis returning from abroad to celebrate Eid with their families.
Meanwhile, foreign airlines have also increased their flights on Middle East routes, particularly to facilitate the return of Pakistani nationals stranded in Gulf countries in the run-up to Eid.
