Web Desk: The cost of air travel in Pakistan has risen significantly ahead of Eid ul-Fitr due to a sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Ticket prices for both domestic and international flights have jumped by 10 to 20 percent. This spike in fares has caused a noticeable drop in domestic travel as many citizens opt for more affordable transportation. Recent reports suggest that domestic passenger numbers have fallen by nearly 40 percent because of these high costs.
While local travel has slowed down, the number of Pakistanis returning from abroad is increasing rapidly. Thousands of citizens currently living in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries are traveling home to celebrate the holiday with their families. Many of these travelers include pilgrims who are finishing their Umrah journey.
In response to this high demand, local and private airlines have increased their flight schedules to the Middle East. Carriers have added more than a dozen extra flights to accommodate the surge of passengers from the Gulf region. These additional flights ensure that overseas Pakistanis can reach their homes in time for the festivities despite the overall rise in operational costs.
