UK to Odisha during Easter holidays: Fliers brave price hike, lengthy detours

Bhubaneswar: For many Odias in the United Kingdom, the Easter holiday is the time when they return to Odisha. But this time, the conflict in West Asia meant heading back to one’s roots was a costly affair, and which came after lengthy detour.

“Easter holidays in the UK are usually for two weeks and many of us come to Odisha during this time. Like every year, I booked my flight two to three weeks before my travel date. The price has more than doubled because of the war,” said Partha Panda, a businessman based in London.

In Odisha since March 20, Partha did not bring his family because of the uncertainty in travel. His flight from Heathrow to Delhi was two hours longer compared to the usual eight hours. He said many people in the UK are cancelling their holidays to Egypt — a favourite destination, but close to the war zone.

Gayatri Panigrahi, who travelled to Bhubaneswar from London, said people on the flight were very tense and followed the flight path map instead of watching movies that they usually do on a long-haul flight. “Passengers became jittery during turbulence, particularly when the flight flew close to West Asia airspace,” said Gayatri, who did not feel the sting of expensive flight tickets because she had booked them in Jan.

Surjit Panda from London, who got his tickets early in Feb, was not saved from the travel uncertainties, with the flight being cancelled and rescheduled. Passengers were also asked to carry less luggage. “I started feeling very nervous a few days ago when my family and I flew from London to Bangalore and I know I would feel the same a few days before I fly back,” said Surjit, who is in Bhubaneswar with his family.

He is particularly concerned as his son cannot miss school after the Easter holidays are over. “In the UK, missing school invites strict action and that is worrying me further,” said Surjit.

Entrepreneur Arun Kar, who is supposed to travel to Odisha from London on April 17, is keeping a close watch on the situation and said he would take a decision accordingly.