Airfare prices during Eid Al Adha have been a topic of concern for many residents in the UAE. Bilal Saeed, an Indian expat living in Deira, was shocked by the steep rise in airfare when he tried to book tickets to visit his family back home. The usual fare to Mangalore ranges from Dh500 to Dh700, but Saeed found that the price had skyrocketed to Dh2,200 on June 12 for a flight on June 14. Eventually, he managed to secure a ticket for Dh700 on June 16, allowing him to reach home just in time for Eid celebrations.
Many other residents shared similar experiences, with airfare prices soaring nearly 400 per cent from June 13 to June 16 leading up to Eid Al Adha. Fahim Ammar, an Indian expat working at a logistics firm in Dubai, also had to postpone his travel plans due to high ticket prices. However, on June 17, he found a ticket to Mumbai for Dh565 and was able to celebrate the festival with his family for over three and a half days.
The situation was not limited to flights to Indian destinations; even airfare to African countries saw a significant drop in prices on June 17 and June 18. Egyptian expats, like Ahmed Najar, also faced high airfare costs when trying to book tickets to Cairo. However, Najar received a call from his mother informing him that flights were cheaper, prompting him to secure a ticket at a lower price and celebrate Eid Al Adha with his family in Al Obour near Cairo.
Islamic tradition dictates that the ritual of animal sacrifice during Eid Al Adha can be performed on specific days of the festival. Residents who flew on June 17 and 18 had to adjust their plans to ensure they could still observe this significant ritual, even with their delayed travel. The shift in travel patterns around Eid Al Adha emphasized the impact of fluctuating airfare prices on residents looking to celebrate the festival with their loved ones.
The experience of residents like Bilal Saeed, Fahim Ammar, and Ahmed Najar highlights the challenges faced by individuals trying to travel during peak seasons like Eid Al Adha. By staying informed and monitoring airfare prices, many were able to find cheaper deals on later dates, allowing them to celebrate the festival with their families. Planning ahead and being flexible with travel dates appeared to be essential strategies for navigating the high airfare costs during Eid Al Adha.
In conclusion, the fluctuating airfare prices before Eid Al Adha posed a challenge for many residents in the UAE looking to travel and celebrate the festival with their families. However, by staying updated on price changes and being flexible with travel dates, individuals were able to secure discounted tickets and still enjoy the festivities with their loved ones. The impact of high airfare costs on travel plans highlighted the importance of planning ahead and exploring different options to make the most of special occasions like Eid Al Adha.
