The end of the summer vacation in the UAE marks the return of thousands of students to school and a surge in airfare prices for residents who left booking tickets until the last minute. However, there are still ways to find affordable options for travel. Industry experts recommend being flexible with travel dates, exploring alternative airports, and utilizing price comparison websites and fare alerts to secure the best deals.
Ayoub El Mamoun, a travel expert at Skyscanner, stresses the importance of flexibility and planning, stating that travelling during less popular weeks can lead to significant savings. Rashida Zahid, VP Operations at Musafir, advises booking flights during off-peak periods for potential savings. Choosing alternative airports and opting for connecting flights instead of direct ones can also help residents save money on air travel.
The seasonal influx of residents returning to the UAE is a primary reason for the fare increases, according to Zahid. She points out that the back-to-school season and the end of summer holidays lead to a surge in demand, resulting in higher ticket prices. While these price hikes impact travelers, essential trips such as work-related visits and family visits during peak seasons remain unaffected.
Airfares from countries like India, the UK, Egypt, and the Philippines to the UAE have seen a noticeable increase of approximately 15-20% this month compared to previous months. Specific routes, especially those to the south of India and London in the UK, have witnessed significant price surges due to the ongoing summer school holiday season. Flights to popular European destinations like London and Paris have also experienced notable price hikes due to increased demand during the summer months.
Ticket prices for routes to popular destinations tend to rise during major holidays and peak travel seasons. Zahid notes that prices for flights to countries like India, the UK, Egypt, and the Philippines increase during holidays like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Easter. Looking ahead, experts anticipate that ticket prices will remain elevated during peak travel seasons, major holidays, and global events. While flight prices are generally more expensive now compared to previous years, increasing airline capacity and competition could lead to occasional price drops, especially when new routes are introduced.
