After a long wait, UAE expats stuck in India can finally fly back to their home. Dubai eased travel protocols for residents stranded in India, finally providing a ray of hope. However, once the news broke out, travel agents witnessed a massive surge in queries about flight bookings, PCR test rules, vaccination and much more. CT Dubai spoke to a few travel agencies in town and turns out that most residents are hesitant to travel back to the UAE due to the lack of clarity on guidelines and rules.
UAE Expats Hesitant To Book Tickets From India Due To Lack Of Clarity
People are very happy that they can finally fly back home, but they are also hesitant due to the lack of clarity. This is the case especially for individuals with kids between 12-18 years of age. Vaccinations were not open at the time of ban for this age group and that also means they cannot fly back. We received many queries especially about this issue”, said Mr. Tony, Coporate Manager at Dadabhai Travel, Dubai.
Besides, speaking about flights, it is to be noted that flights have not resumed as yet, although the news is out. Mr, Tony further added that booking are not opened as of now in their system from any city in India. “Fly Dubai and Indigo opened for bookings on 20 June, but quickly closed for further clarity on travel protocols”, he said.
In addition, passengers are also worried about the protocols in place. Most of the queries are about quarantine and PCR tests. In fact, the biggest worry Anish, Team Leader- Operations, Musafir.com said is that the PCR test needs to be done four hours before departure and most airports in India don’t have testing facilities.
Meanwhile, Emirates announced that it will resume services to India from 23 June onwards. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai on 19 June, granted permission for vaccinated UAE residents stranded in India to return to Dubai. Here are the new protocols in place for those flying from India to Dubai.
Travellers Can Expect A Steady Spike In Air Fares
With a high demand set over the upcoming weeks, travelers are sure to witness a steady increase in air fare. Commenting on the same, Mr. Tony said that passengers can expect one way tickets at AED 1200-1400 from any city in India to Dubai. Anish from Musafir.com further affirmed that travellers are sure to witness a rapid spike and that ticket fares certainly will not be what it used to be before the ban came in place.
Normally, ticket prices to Dubai from Mumbai and Delhi would be somewhere around AED 600- AED 800. However, the surge is expected to be in place until 5 July, after which the prices will go down.
First Published: June 21, 2021 10:42 AM