Ticket prices rise by up to 30% as jet fuel rises 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 rose sharply in the wake of Eidul Fitr, driven by higher seasonal demand and higher fuel costs.
According to aviation sources, ticket prices increased significantly on Chand Raat and during the Eid period, with domestic fares increasing by 15-20% compared to the usual fares a day before Eid. In some cases, passengers bought tickets up to 30% more expensive.
Sources attributed the rise to the Eid travel rush as well as a recent rise in jet fuel prices.
Jet fuel prices have become a major challenge, driving up operating costs, with European prices doubling and Asian prices rising nearly 80% since the start of US and Israeli attacks on Iran in late February.
Read: International departures from Pakistan halve
Fuel is the industry’s second largest expense after labor and typically accounts for between a fifth and a quarter of operating costs.
Despite the increase 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 also increased flights on Middle East routes, particularly to facilitate the return of Pakistani nationals stranded in the Gulf countries ahead of Eid.
