In Pictures: UAE’s Indian expats flying in August have some cheaper options to pick

Should Indian expats in the UAE have waited before catching their flights for a deserved holiday? Because right now, those flying out – or have done so in recent days – are paying steep rates to make the trips.

In many a case, these expats are heading back to the home country for the first time in two or three years. Plus, without the heavy medical protocols required earlier because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

If only they had delayed those travel plans by a couple of weeks, it would have been far easier on their pockets, already feeling a lot empty with the other holiday-related expenses to account for.

Here’s what the difference would have been for those travelling now and those who are booking for the first week or two in August.

Delhi | India’s capital hosts some of the finest hotels and eating-out options. A one-way fare from Dubai costs between Dh700-Dh1,400 on economy. And will drop to Dh300-Dh500 in the first week of August.

Mumbai | Whether for summer travel or other times of the year, the UAE-Mumbai flights remain among the busiest. A one-way flight ticket to Mumbai from Dubai will cost between Dh600-Dh900. Early August, most carriers have dropped their tariffs to Dh400.

Bengaluru | India’s IT city is a good escape-from-summer destination. Flying from Dubai to Bengaluru costs passengers at least Dh1,300, with some airlines setting it as high as Dh2,000. And fares will come down to Dh780 in August.

Kochi | Even the cheapest flight to Kerala’s financial hub will have flyers shelling out at least Dh1,070. But flying to Kochi will only be around Dh600 in August.

Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala’s capital is the gateway for tourists who make their way up to the famous beach resorts just up the coast. One-way tickets are starting from around Dh1,300, but if you were to wait until early August, you can bring it down Dh1,100 or so.

Chennai | The Marina beach along the Bay of Bengal is India's longest - and the world's second longest - beach. Dubai to Chennai flights is at a heavy Dh1,300 but is seen at the Dh500 mark a few weeks down the line.

Hyderabad | The capital of two Indian states is known as much for the biryani as for its monuments. A flight from Dubai will be more than Dh1,200 right now, but rates are seen dropping below Dh700 in August.

Kolkata | Kolkata, one of India’s most populous cities, has one-way tickets at around Dh1,500, which is why if you can hold back on the travel plans, you end up paying under Dh800 for the fares.

Amritsar | Amritsar-bound flights from Dubai are around Dh1,400 and should ease their way to Dh800 in the coming weeks.

Ahmedabad | Another major destination from the UAE, the capital of Gujarat is still relatively accessible, at around Dh760. And there will be a further drop to Dh500 in August.