Dubai, April 6, 2026 — With the Kerala Assembly elections just days away on April 9, a determined group of Indian expatriates in the UAE is shelling out as much as Dh9,000 (roughly Rs 2 lakh) per ticket to fly home and cast their ballots, despite soaring airfares triggered by regional tensions in West Asia.
Normally, round-trip fares from UAE hubs like Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Kerala airports (such as Kochi, Kozhikode, or Kannur) range between Dh1,000–2,000 during non-peak periods. However, the ongoing conflict in the region — involving disruptions linked to Iran and broader Middle East instability — has caused flight cancellations, reduced schedules, and sharp price hikes, pushing some one-way or short-turnaround tickets close to or beyond Dh9,000 for those desperate to vote.
Political parties and community organisations in the UAE, including groups like the Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) and others affiliated with major parties, have traditionally arranged “vote flights” or chartered services to help thousands of Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) return for polling day. This year, such large-scale efforts have been severely curtailed due to limited availability, safety concerns, and prohibitive costs. Sources indicate that only a fraction of the usual numbers — perhaps as few as one special flight or none at all in some cases — may materialise, compared to previous elections where multiple chartered flights ferried voters from the UAE alone.
Kerala has over 2.3 lakh registered overseas voters, with a significant portion based in the Gulf, particularly the UAE, which accounts for a large share of the state’s emigrants. In past polls, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, tens of thousands of Gulf-based Malayalis flew home, often staying just long enough to vote before rushing back to work. Their participation has historically influenced outcomes in closely contested constituencies, especially in northern and central Kerala districts with high emigration rates.
Community leaders and expats have expressed frustration over the situation. Many cite not only the inflated ticket prices — which have reportedly quadrupled on some Gulf-Kerala routes — but also fears of job repercussions if they take extended leave amid uncertain flight schedules. While some affluent or highly motivated individuals are still booking expensive tickets independently, estimates suggest the total number of returning overseas voters from the Gulf could drop dramatically, from over 50,000 in typical cycles to fewer than 5,000 this time.
The Election Commission of India requires overseas electors to be physically present at their constituency polling station to vote, using their passport as identification. There is no provision for postal or remote voting for NRIs in these assembly elections, making the journey essential for those on the rolls.
Airlines operating the routes have seen demand spike in the final days before polling, but capacity remains constrained. Expats report scrambling for any available seats, with some paying premiums for short visits of just 48–72 hours to minimise time away from work.
Political parties across the spectrum have voiced concern that the reduced “pravasi” (expatriate) turnout could alter the arithmetic in marginal seats. Campaigns have shifted partly to virtual outreach, urging Gulf-based families to influence votes back home, but the physical presence of returning voters has long been a visible symbol of diaspora engagement in Kerala’s vibrant democracy.
As polling day approaches, the story of these dedicated expats highlights both the deep emotional and political ties many Malayalis maintain with their homeland and the harsh realities of global events impacting everyday democratic participation. Whether the high cost will deter most or if a core group will still make the trip remains to be seen in the final turnout figures.
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