Airfares for international travel from Kolkata are rising sharply as several airlines adjust prices amid disruptions in key Middle East air routes and a surge in aviation fuel costs. Following Indian carriers' fare hikes earlier this week, several foreign airlines have indicated that ticket prices may rise if the current situation continues.
On Tuesday, SpiceJet and Air India informed passengers about higher ticket prices. By Wednesday, foreign carriers, including Thai Airways, Lufthansa, Qantas, and Cathay Pacific, indicated that fare revisions may become unavoidable if conditions do not improve.
Kolkata passengers travelling to Europe and the United States usually rely on three major transit hubs in the Middle East - Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha. However, until Wednesday, no flights from Abu Dhabi and Doha were landing in the city. Only services from Dubai are being operated mainly by Emirates.
Authorities said limited operations from Abu Dhabi and Doha may resume from Thursday, though services are expected to remain restricted.
Passengers look for alternative routes
Travellers who had booked tickets on Qatar Airways via Doha or Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi are now searching for alternate routes. Many passengers heading to the US West Coast are trying to travel through Singapore, Bangkok or Hong Kong. Others are flying from Kolkata to Delhi or Mumbai and then connecting to Ethiopian Airlines, or European flights.
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The limited options have pushed fares higher. Ethiopian Airlines has also hiked fares. However, Emirates continues to operate flights from Dubai to Kolkata. The Airlines have not raised prices as costlier tickets would affect passengers more amid the crisis. Emirates has informed that they have been the most affected due to the West Asia conflict, along with Etihad and Qatar. Yet, they won't be raising fares despite being the only airlines through which passengers are being able to travel to Europe or the US, bypassing West Asian airspace.
Travel agents said the airline has not sharply increased fares despite strong demand.
Eastern Indian chair of the Travel Agents Association of India, Ashok Dhanuka, said, "They (Emirates) aren't facing fuel-related issues as the oil belongs to them. Those who have to buy oil from them are facing trouble."
Travel Agents Federation of India secretary Anil Punjabi added, "Emirates isn't getting passengers. How many people from Kolkata are boarding their flights? No one wants to go to Dubai amid this crisis. What's the use of hiking fares?"
Fuel prices and longer routes increase costs
Airlines say operating costs have risen sharply due to a steep increase in aviation fuel prices. In the international market, aviation fuel prices have climbed to nearly $174 per barrel, almost three times higher than earlier levels.
Airlines are also facing higher expenses because several airspaces remain closed due to tensions between Iran and the United States. As a result, flights are forced to take longer routes. Each flight is now costing around Rs. 25 lakh more due to these diversions.
In addition, airlines pay considerable tax on aviation fuel in many major Indian cities, further increasing operational costs. Airlines say the combined impact of higher fuel prices, longer flight routes, and limited international connectivity has pushed them to revise ticket prices.
