Airfares from the UAE to Kerala have dropped sharply ahead of Onam, with one-way tickets starting at Dh189 (₹4,270). Airlines and travel agencies are rolling out aggressive discounts to meet the festive rush, making it easier for thousands of expatriates and tourists to head home or explore the state.
Air India Express has announced fares as low as Dh189 (₹4,270) for one-way trips to Kerala. Air Arabia has followed with festive discounts, offering Dh255 (₹5,763) for Abu Dhabi–Kozhikode, Dh349 (₹7,887) for Sharjah–Kochi, and Dh399 (₹9,017) for Sharjah–Thiruvananthapuram on October 10 and 11. These fares are among the lowest seen in recent festival seasons.
Among travel agencies, Smart Travel Group has launched an Onam offer tied to its 10th anniversary. It is selling one-way tickets from Dubai to Kozhikode at Dh189 (₹4,270), inclusive of 30kg baggage, for travel on September 4, the eve of Onam. Additional routes include Dubai–Kochi at Dh299 (₹6,757) and Dubai–Kannur at Dh310 (₹7,006). Tickets are being sold on a first-come, first-served basis through six branches in the UAE and four in Kerala.
Other agencies are also joining the rush. AlHind Travel and Tourism is offering one-way fares to Kerala at Dh500 (₹11,300). However, the return leg remains costly, with round trips between August 30 and September 5 priced at around Dh1,580 (₹35,700).
Not all offers are about flights. For those looking to combine Onam with a getaway, agencies are promoting tour packages under Dh1,000 (₹22,600). Anisha Travel and Tourism has launched curated trips to Sri Lanka and Bhutan, blending Onam traditions with travel experiences. These packages include Onam Sadhya, cultural performances, and community celebrations, aimed at creating a festive feel even outside Kerala.
Such tours are reportedly attracting not only expatriates but also tourists curious about Indian cultural diversity.
