Fares jump up to 30% as jet fuel rises and overseas Pakistanis return home for celebrations
Serene Air aircraft at Karachi Airport on August 18, 2021. Photo: Serene Air
KARACHI:
Air fares for both domestic and international travel rose sharply in the wake of Eidul Fitr, driven by increased seasonal demand and higher fuel costs.
According to aviation sources, fares increased significantly on Chand Raat and during the Eid period, with domestic fares increasing by 15% to 20% compared to usual fares a day before Eid. In some cases, passengers bought tickets that were up to 30% more expensive.
Sources attributed the increase to the Eid travel rush as well as a recent hike in jet fuel prices.
Jet fuel prices have emerged as a major challenge pushing up operating costs, with European prices doubling and Asian prices rising nearly 80% since the start of US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
Read: International departures from Pakistan drop by half
Fuel is the industry’s second largest expense after labor and typically accounts for a fifth to a quarter of operating costs.
Despite the increase in prices, domestic flights saw a slight decline, while inbound international travel increased, with more Pakistanis returning from abroad to celebrate Eid with their families.
Meanwhile, foreign airlines also increased flights on Middle Eastern routes, especially to facilitate the return of Pakistani nationals stranded in the Gulf countries ahead of Eid.
