Date:07/08/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/07/stories/2007080771721100.htm

International - India & World

Airlines gearing up to meet exodus from UAE

Dubai: Airlines in the UAE are expecting a huge rush as about one million amnesty-seekers, including many Indians, are likely to leave the country before the September 2 deadline.

The UAE Government declared a three-month amnesty in June, but an exodus of illegal workers was expected in the coming weeks.

Indian carriers — Air India, Indian, and other regional airlines such as the Emirates and Etihad Airways — are offering promotions to generate sales. Some are also considering adding frequencies to handle the rush.

Emirates said it would slash tickets by up to 55 per cent for flights to India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“Special fares can be 22 to 55 per cent cheaper than the normal fares,” Emirates said. —PTI