Airline’s fare hike angers passengers
INDIAN Airlines has come under fire from passengers for its “unseasonal” hike in fares from Doha to Kozhikode and Kochi.
The airline raised the fare by QR100 on a one-way ticket and QR150 on a return journey, from Thursday. The hike is in effect until May 31.
Travel agencies were told of the increase just three days before it was to be implemented, they said.
Passengers called the fare hike “unexpected and unusual”. The airline is exploiting its near monopoly on the route, an incensed passenger alleged yesterday.
Indian Airlines is the only carrier with a daily service from Doha to Kozhikode.
The peak summer season is still two months away and this increase came as a rude shock, another irate passenger said.
The airline’s acting manager in Doha, Ravi Shankar said the fare revision was a “market requirement” – an euphemism for a high demand for seats on the sector.
Travel agencies confirmed that the flights have been “packed” for several weeks. Doha shares the flight with Bahrain.
A one-way economy ticket is now sold for QR900 and a return ticket for QR1,750, sources said. This could go further up to QR2,500 by the time schools close, they added.
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