MUSCAT:A five-day-long Eid Al Fitr holiday that begins from June 4 has sparked excitement among Oman residents who are itching to take a holiday with family and friends. But the sky-high prices of air tickets due to the seasonal demand are dampening the travel plans of many, The Arabian Storieshas learnt.
A quick survey conducted TASacross a section of travel agents revealed flight rates have soared at least 100 to 150 per cent and in some instances, all the way up to 300 per cent, compared to non-peak rates.
The seats for flights from Oman to top travel destinations are also fast running out, so travel is going to be pricier, or not guaranteed, for those who have yet to finalise their holiday plans.
Read More
- Fireworks shows announced in Oman for National Day celebrations
- ROP cracks down on 122 drivers for public disturbance in Muscat
- Oman’s coastline continues to expand with luxury with the opening of the Arabian Sea Resort
- Oman, Bahrain Foreign Ministers hold key talks ahead of GCC summit
- Tariq Al Barwani to lead conversations at TAS Conclave 2025
Oman Air flight that leave on June 4 and return on June 8 can cost OMR 456 for those looking to travel to Kochi, OMR 396 for travellers bound to Bangalore and OMR 355 for flyers bound to Mumbai.
According to Arun Aravind, Retail Sales and Operations Manager at Fahad Express, with Indian schools gearing-up for summer holidays and Eid holidays around the corner, the ticket sales have spiked 300 per cent to key Indian sectors. “Currently only Oman Air and Air India are only operating to these Indian destinations and that’s the reason why the prices have gone up,” Arun explained.
With Indigo stopping operations to Indian sectors such as Kochi, Trivandrum and Chennai, travellers have no option than paying huge amount for tickets. “My kids are having two-month summer holidays and it will be unfair not to send them back home to be with their dear ones so I am sending only my children to India and I and my wife decided to stay back here,” said Ramanathan K, an Indian expat working in Muscat.
Despite the high prices, tickets to most sectors are already sold out, especially for the economy class. Flights, both Oman Air and Air India are running full to Chennai during the Eid holidays.
Georgia, Azerbaijan, Turkey came out winners as top destinations favoured by Oman holiday makers, with Bali and Bangkok following closely.
“People are overwhelmed by the long Eid holiday, and we are inundated with enquiries,” Arun added.
