In the wake of regional airspace closures that disrupted hundreds of flights, special charter flights are being organized to help stranded passengers return to India from the UAE. The airspace restrictions have caused significant delays, leaving thousands of travelers, including tourists and transit passengers, in need of alternative transportation.
The flight cancellations, caused by the ongoing regional tensions, have impacted visitors to the UAE and those passing through the country. With only a limited number of regular flights resuming operations, charter operators have stepped in to provide travelers with alternative flight options.
Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Travels, explained that travel agencies are playing a key role in assisting passengers by connecting them with charter operators. "Several operators are offering charter flights, and we are helping passengers secure seats," he said. These flights are especially crucial for tourists who have been stranded after their original bookings were canceled.
Prices for charter flights are currently starting at Dh2,500, although some posts on social media have reported prices as high as Dh7,000 for seats on private charter jets. These premium options are catering to those who are unable to find space on regular flights.
Bharath Aidasani, a travel agent, noted that demand for charter services has increased significantly as passengers look for urgent travel options. "We've seen a surge in inquiries from those wanting to return home to India," he said. However, he pointed out that only a limited number of charter flights are available, and service to all Indian cities is not guaranteed.
"The demand for charter flights has been growing since the disruption," said Safeer Mohammed, General Manager at Smart Travels. "Currently, tickets for a one-way flight to India are starting at Dh2,500. Flights from Fujairah to various Indian cities are available."
Mohammed believes that as regular flights gradually resume, demand for charter services will decrease. "Those who need to travel urgently are willing to pay higher prices, but demand should decline over the next few days. As more flights become available, we expect prices to drop, and we hope that by Eid, the backlog will be cleared."
For many travelers, charter flights have been a welcome solution. Rajiv M, a tourist from Karnataka, was one of those affected by the disruption. "I arrived in Dubai in late February for a short holiday and was supposed to return to Bengaluru shortly after. But after the disruptions, my flight was canceled, and I had to extend my stay," he shared.
"At first, it was stressful because we didn't know when flights would resume. But thanks to travel agents, we were kept informed and given options. We're thankful that charter flights are now available to help people get home."
Anita Sharma, who traveled to the UAE for a family function, was also impacted by the airspace issue. "My flight was scheduled for Sunday, but it was canceled due to the airspace situation," she said. "We had to stay longer and keep checking for available flights. It has been difficult, but now that charter options are available, we are relieved to finally be able to go home."
The surge in demand has also caused ticket prices for charter flights to rise dramatically. Noushad Hassan, Managing Director of Alhind Business Center, noted that prices for some flights have more than doubled in just a few days. "Some tickets that were previously priced at Dh1,700 are now being sold for Dh3,000," he said. "Demand has been driving prices up every day, as people are willing to pay to secure a seat."
Hassan also advised passengers not to panic and only travel if absolutely necessary. "There's no reason to travel unless it's urgent. The UAE remains safe, and prices will likely return to normal as the airspace fully reopens," he said.
As the demand for charter services remains high, many passengers continue to seek these alternatives, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to regular flight operations.
Source: khaleejtimes
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