Mad scramble for US flight tickets sends fares soaring

Mad scramble for US flight tickets sends fares soaring

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:02.05.2021

The US’ ban on entry of Indian citizens from Monday has left many in the city scrambling for a flight out.

The sudden ban on non-citizens has impacted those who need to get back for work and those returning to their families. Many living in the US want their relatives to join them given the worsening Covid-19 situation in Chennai.

Since Chennai does not have direct flights to the US and transit hubs in the Middle East have barred Indian travellers, direct flights from Delhi — via Air India and United Airlines — were the only options. Qatar still allows travellers to transit via Doha. But fares are too high.

The demand has surged as people, who had been trying for tickets for travel next week, have joined other travellers hoping to reach the US before the slim window shuts completely. The high demand caused one-way airfare to shoot up to ₹4.6 lakh on some routes.

SSuresh, who was scheduled to travel to New York with his wife on May 11, was lucky as the airline agreed to advance the travel dates for ₹25,000 per passenger. “I thought I would not be able to travel as seats were not available or fresh tickets cost a couple of lakhs. However, the airline told us that the ticket can be advanced for a fee,” he said. However, many others were not so fortunate as people from across the country were all vying for seats on flights from Delhi.

With many unable to get seats on flights from Delhi, charter flights from Chennai and Mumbai to different US cities are now under consideration by hiring long haul aircraft from airlines. The cost for economy class works out to ₹1.6 lakh.

While travel agents and the airline helplines were flooded with requests for seats, social media groups created by the Indian diaspora in the US saw a flurry of activity with many seeking help to be reunited with family. There was a lot of confusion about transit via Qatar and Europe and travel eligibility. The requirement for an RTPCR test report taken 48 hours before departure is also posing a hassle for passengers.

Basheer Ahmed of Chennai Metro Travels said: “Air fares have shot up because of the demand. People are ready to spend ₹5 lakh on business class. Those who are trying to travel before the deadline are struggling to get an RT-PCR test report. They do not have enough time to get the results even if tests are given at labs.”