Gulf conflict: London-Hyderabad direct flight at Rs 2.5L as airfares skyrocket

HYDERABAD: Flying back home has become significantly more expensive for Hyderabadis abroad, as airlines sharply hiked fares amid disruptions caused by the ongoing war between the United States and Iran.

Airfares on several international routes to Hyderabad have surged steeply, with some long-haul tickets reaching unprecedented levels. For instance, a direct flight from London to Hyderabad on Friday was priced at nearly Rs 2.5 lakh, several times higher than the usual fare.


Passengers travelling from Gulf countries also faced a similar surge. Airfares from major Gulf destinations to Hyderabad increased sharply by almost 200% over the past few days, as limited flight availability and rerouting continued to affect schedules.

Surprisingly, while Oman-based airlines continued to charge near-normal fares for flights between Muscat and Hyderabad, several Indian carriers reportedly priced tickets two to three times higher on comparable routes.

Travel agents said the spike was largely due to reduced flight capacity, cancellations, and high demand from passengers trying to return to India amid uncertainty in the region. With fewer direct flights operating and some airspace restrictions still in place, many travellers were left with limited options and higher fares, they said.