UAE airfares remain 15-30% lower than September highs, making it a perfect time for ‘impromptu trips’

Attractive airline packages are making spontaneous trips viable for UAE travellers

Last updated: October 14, 2023 | 15:46

3 MIN READ

Travel experts are seeing a notable increase in inbound airfares, signalling the beginning of peak tourist season in the UAE.

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Now, spontaneous vacations are viable for those who missed summer trips, with airfares 15-30 per cent cheaper than July to early September highs. And according to travel agents, this trend is expected to persist until early December.

On the other hand, inbound fares are witnessing a steady price spike, signalling the start of peak travel demand.

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Airfares to European and UK destinations are currently at their lowest for the year. Tickets to Prague are available at Dh1,151, Paris at Dh3,425, and London at Dh3,195. In contrast, during the peak summer, airfares to these places had reached as high as Dh4,500 to Dh7,000.

To incentivize travellers to book trips this season, airlines like flydubai have slashed prices to spur travellers to schedule a trip before the winter holidays.

Similarly, other UAE and Gulf airlines have initiated extensive promotional campaigns to maintain traveller interest leading up to the year-end holiday season. Saudia is offering a 50 per cent discount on all flights through November, while Etihad Airways has commenced a global sale with rates starting at Dh895. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is providing tickets for as low as Dh70, and Emirates is featuring return flights to Mumbai at Dh1,125 and Dh2,915 to Munich.

The French and Chinese markets continue to show robust demand, with an anticipated boost during school holiday breaks from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024.

Brendan McKittrick

Demand from Chinese markets

Chinese tourists flocked to the Middle East during the eight-day Golden Week holiday as popular travel destinations like Dubai rolled out free visas and increased flight capacity, according to Trip.com Group CEO Jane Sun. Year-on-year visitation to the region climbed three digits, she said. UAE-based tour operators such as Oriental Hope Tourism and Travel expect demand to be near pre-pandemic levels by December.  McKittrick explained that the Chinese travel market has experienced capital outflows, with individuals seeking to relocate assets to destinations like Dubai. “They (Chinese travellers) are adept at merging business and leisure during holiday trips. This trend would be more visible during the winter season,” added McKittrick.

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