As for a Kuwait-Frankfurt round-trip by economy class, Lufthansa had been charging KD 273 but the trip will now cost KD 202. A Kuwait-Paris round-trip (economy class) by Kuwait AirwaysKuwait Airways was priced at KD 305 but will now cost KD 237. Stressing that seats to Asian destinations such as India, Pakistan, Nepal, among others have been booked for Eid holidays, he added that many airlines are expected to increase the fares at that time for a few days. He went on to add that the peak travel season normally begins from mid-November and lasts until the first week of January, even as many passengers have also made advance bookings to neighboring countries such as Cairo, Dubai and Bahrain for Eid holidays. Kumar also said that some airlines had introduced additional flights to popular destinations to meet the huge rush of passengers.

This year, Kumar said, a large number of Kuwaitis chose to spend their summer holidays in places such as London, Paris and Far East but was quick to add that the number of Kuwaitis traveling abroad for summer holidays had fallen compared to the previous years. When asked whether airlines had hiked the fuel surcharge in light of the high oil prices, he replied in the negative. "With the increase in the number of flights to Asian destinations, the air fares have largely remained competitive and as a result travel has become more frequent," he added. Brushing aside allegations that some airlines were canceling the bookings of passengers without any intimation, he said that the travel agencies always encourage passengers to buy their tickets in advance and that he had not encountered any problems with regards to the cancellations so far.

By Francis A. Clifford Cardozo

© Arab Times 2008