Shawdesh desk:

Many holidaymakers are choosing air travel to enjoy hassle-free journeys during the Eid holidays, increasing the demand for air tickets despite a hike in airfares.

Many people didn’t go to their village homes to celebrate Eid in the last two years amid the coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, the pressure on air travel was much less than the regular times.

But this year, as the Covid-19 situation continues to improve, more people are making their holiday plans. Consequently, they are preferring air travel predicting traffic congestion due to the desperate rush of Eid passengers on road, rail and waterways.

Banker Ayesha Binte Azad will travel to Barishal to spend Eid with her family members. She bought an air ticket for April 29 at Tk 5,000.

“The fair has increased by about Tk 1,000 compared to the last year. Yet journey by air is hassle-free. The most important thing this is saving time and being safe,” she said.

She also said she bought the ticket early as she came to know that the pressure of passengers will increase and the same ticket will be sold at Tk 8,000 to 10,000.

According to information provided by different airlines, this time the demand for tickets for April 28, 29 and 30 is higher on all routes from Dhaka while the demand for air tickets to Dhaka from different districts is high on May 5 and 6.

Besides, there is also pressure for tickets to Cox’s Bazar and Sylhet for several days after Eid.

With the holy Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, tickets for 80 per cent of domestic flights have already been sold. The airlines estimate that about 20 per cent of the tickets will be sold out in the next two to three days.

According to Biman Bangladesh Airlines, they have started selling Eid tickets a month ago. The demand for air tickets for April 29 and 30 on Barishal, Rajshahi, Jashore and Syedpur routes is high.

US-Bangla Airlines general manager (public relations) and spokesman Kamrul Islam said they have been operating flights maintaining health protocols as always and will continue this during Eid vacations as well.

“Ticket prices have increased slightly due to the hike in the price of jet fuel. Ticket seekers have to pay extra if they want to buy tickets at the last minutes. We have plans to operate additional flights if the Civil Aviation Authorities of Bangladesh (CAAB) allows,” he said.

Head of marketing and sales of Novoair Limited Mesbahul Islam said demand for tickets usually increases during the Eid holidays. Novoair usually operates 20-22 flights every day. But keeping the demand of passengers in mind it will operate 28-30 flights per day from April 25.

“Demand for tickets for Jashore, Syedpur, Rajshahi and Barishal is high this year. All tickets of some flights on these routes for April 29 and 30 have been booked,” he said.

Mesbahul Islam said ticket prices have increased slightly as jet fuel prices have increased. On Barishal and Jashore routes, airfare has increased by Tk 300 and on other routes, the price has increased by Tk 500 per ticket.

Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) Executive Director Group Captain Kamrul Islam said a total of 130 domestic flights are being operated from HSIA every day and some 8,000 passengers travel on these flights.

He said arrangements have been made to make Eid journey smooth for holidaymakers. Airlines have been asked to ensure that flight schedules are maintained on domestic routes, he said.