Hyderabad: While the city gears up for Milad-un-Nabi, the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad on January 14, thousands are queuing up at travel agencies in the hope of visiting the Prophet's Mosque in Medina to celebrate the auspicious day. But, the soaring demand for flight tickets has caused an unreasonable spike in airfare along with a seat crunch.
While these religious tourists already have Umrah (lesser pilgrimage, the greater being Haj) visas stamped on their passports by Saudi Arabian authorities well in advance, the inadequate number of flights is threatening to wash out their plans. Jittery travel agents said that seats were booked with many Indian and international carriers well into mid-February. "The airfare should be around Rs 23,600 but as there are no seats, pilgrims are forced to go to other carriers and book tickets at double the existing price. Many airlines know that those who can afford it will buy tickets, come what may," said Mohammed Shoeb from Link International Travel Agents in Diwan Deodhi.
12/01/14 Times of India
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While these religious tourists already have Umrah (lesser pilgrimage, the greater being Haj) visas stamped on their passports by Saudi Arabian authorities well in advance, the inadequate number of flights is threatening to wash out their plans. Jittery travel agents said that seats were booked with many Indian and international carriers well into mid-February. "The airfare should be around Rs 23,600 but as there are no seats, pilgrims are forced to go to other carriers and book tickets at double the existing price. Many airlines know that those who can afford it will buy tickets, come what may," said Mohammed Shoeb from Link International Travel Agents in Diwan Deodhi.
12/01/14 Times of India
