With the start of Ramazan, domestic and international airlines have sharply increased fares, with business class tickets rising to Rs500,000 and economy and economy plus fares climbing to between Rs180,000 and Rs200,000.

As the first 10 days of the holy month began, the number of Umrah pilgrims rose as usual. Airlines capitalised on the surge by raising ticket prices. Every year, millions travel for Umrah, with numbers typically increasing further during the second and third 10-day periods of Ramazan.

Previously, economy and economy plus tickets cost around Rs130,000–140,000, but they have now jumped to Rs180,000–200,000. Business class fares, which earlier ranged between Rs440,000 and Rs450,000, have now reached Rs500,000.

Read: City buzzes as Ramazan moon sparks first-day rush

Travel agent Muhammad Ayub said the hike was driven by demand. “Whenever there is a festival or a busy season, demand rises, and airlines increase their fares. All airline bookings are full, which is why even the remaining seats are priced higher. Agents charge exactly what airlines set,” he explained.

Pilgrim Amir Imtiaz Bilal highlighted the impact on ordinary people. “With prices this high, one has to think twice even about performing this religious obligation. Previously, we booked tickets two months ago for around Rs130,000. My other brother booked recently and got a ticket for PKR 180,000. This shows how far inflation has reached.”

The Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee on Wednesday announced that the crescent moon for Ramazan 1447 AH had been sighted and that the first fast would be observed on Thursday.