Thousands of passengers in the UAE are relying on charter flights after regional airspace restrictions disrupted hundreds of commercial flights.
The temporary closure of airspace affected tourists visiting the UAE as well as transit passengers. With limited regular flights available, private operators have stepped in to help stranded travellers reach India.
Travel agencies are actively connecting passengers with charter services operating from airports such as Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah. These flights provide much-needed options for those who have been waiting for return journeys.
Prices Soar Amid High Demand
Charter flight fares currently start around Dh2,500 per seat, depending on the route and availability. However, some private operators are advertising tickets as high as Dh7,000 per passenger due to surging demand.
Travel agents report a continuous increase in enquiries, particularly from passengers needing urgent travel to India. Operators are offering limited flights at present, meaning connectivity is unavailable to all cities at the moment.
“The demand for charter flights has increased significantly since airspace closures,” said Safeer Mohammed, a travel agent. “Seats are expensive now, starting at Dh2,500 per person one-way to India. Flights from Fujairah are operating to multiple Indian cities.”
Passengers Share Their Experiences
Many tourists have expressed relief at the availability of charter flights. Rajiv M, a tourist from Karnataka, said his return to Bengaluru was delayed due to cancellations.
“I arrived in Dubai for a short holiday and my flight was cancelled. Travel agents helped me find a charter flight,” he said. “It was stressful initially, but these arrangements have been a relief.”
Anita Sharma, who visited the UAE for a family function, experienced similar challenges.
“My return flight was cancelled, and I waited four days for an alternative,” she said. “Charter flights finally gave me the option to return home safely.”
Ticket Prices Continue to Climb
According to industry sources, charter flight fares have risen sharply in just a few days. Tickets that previously sold for Dh1,700 now cost around Dh3,000. The surge is attributed to high demand and limited availability.
Experts advise passengers to travel only if necessary. “Some people are booking flights out of fear rather than need,” said Noushad Hassan, a travel consultant. “The UAE remains safe. Those without urgent travel requirements should wait until airspace fully reopens and prices stabilize.”
Outlook for the Coming Days
Travel agents expect demand and fares to gradually normalize in the coming days as more flights resume. The backlog is anticipated to clear, providing more options for passengers ahead of major travel periods.
Meanwhile, passengers are urged to confirm flight schedules in advance and seek assistance from travel agencies arranging charter services.
