Exorbitant airfares on Dubai-Mangalore route: A call for review

Mangalore Today News Network

A call for Review: By Elvis Jason Menezes

Mangaluru, January 24, 2025: I am writing to bring attention to a pressing issue concerning the exorbitant airfares charged by Air India Express on their route from Dubai to Mangalore, especially during peak seasons April, May, July and August. This matter is of significant concern to travelers who rely on this service, and it deserves public and media attention to encourage a fair review of these fares.

Comparison of Fares with Nearby Airports:

To provide context, we compared the airfare of flights operating to Mangalore with those to the nearby airport in Kannur. On the same travel dates:

Airfare to Kannur: Approximately AED 1,600/-

Airfare to Mangalore: Ranges between AED 2,800/- and AED 3,000/-

This disparity is striking, given that the two airports are in close geographical proximity. The higher costs for Mangalore flights are particularly unusual, as Air India Express is marketed as a budget airline.

Comparison with Premium Airlines:

Adding to the concern is the fact that Emirates, a premium airline, offers flights from Dubai to Bangalore for under AED 1,000/-. This rate is significantly lower than Air India Express’s fares to Mangalore, despite Emirates’ reputation for premium service.

Impact on Travelers:

The inflated fares on the Dubai-Mangalore route impose a heavy financial burden on travelers, many of whom are frequent flyers, families, or individuals traveling for personal and professional reasons. The lack of competitive pricing on this route stands in stark contrast to the affordability offered for other destinations in the region.

Request for Action:

This issue necessitates attention from relevant stakeholders, including the airline, aviation authorities, and consumer rights organizations. By publishing this report, we hope to:

Highlight the disparity in airfares and seek justification from Air India Express for the unusually high costs.

Encourage a review of the pricing strategy for the Dubai-Mangalore route.

Advocate for more competitive fares to ensure equitable access to air travel for all passengers.

We urge the media to shed light on this matter and help bring it to the notice of decision-makers and the general public.

Thank you for your attention to this significant issue affecting travelers. We look forward to your support in addressing this concern.