Airfares across Pakistan have risen sharply after a steep increase in jet fuel prices amid the ongoing war situation, with airlines transferring the added operational costs to passengers.
The government recently raised jet fuel prices by Rs154 per litre, pushing the rate to a record Rs342.37 from the earlier Rs188.93.
Following the hike, ticket prices have increased on major domestic routes, including Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore, as well as other cities nationwide.
One-way fares from Karachi to Lahore and Islamabad have reached as high as Rs40,000, while “chance seats” on the Lahore–Islamabad route have surged by up to 150 per cent. Last-minute or standby tickets on domestic flights are now exceeding Rs50,000.
International travel has also become significantly more expensive, with economy class fares to destinations such as Toronto, Paris and Manchester now ranging between Rs300,000 and Rs700,000.
Earlier, federal ministers announced a Rs55 per litre increase in petrol and diesel prices during a press conference in Islamabad.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the decision was taken after global oil prices spiked due to escalating regional conflict.
Umrah airfare increased
Earlier during Ramzan, both domestic and international airlines have seen a massive increase in airfare and ticket rates for Umrah pilgrims from Pakistan.
As per details, business class tickets climbed up to Rs500,000, while economy and economy plus class fares ranged from Rs180,000 to Rs200,000.
With the start of the first Ashra of Ramzan, the number of Umrah pilgrims increased as usual, making airlines to immediately use this and take advantage of the surge in demand by hiking prices.
Every year, millions perform Umrah, with numbers rising in the second and third Ashras compared to the first. This rush has led airlines to increase fares due to high demand.
Previously, standard economy and economy plus fares were around Rs130,000 to Rs140,000, but they have now risen to Rs180,000 to Rs200,000. Business class fares, which were between Rs425,000 and Rs450,000, have reached up to Rs500,000.
Also read: Umrah airfare increased: What’s the latest ticket price for Pakistanis?
