As winter festivities approach, a significant spike in flight ticket prices, soaring over 50%, has prompted many UAE residents to reconsider their holiday travel plans.
A surge in winter flight prices alters UAE residents' holiday plans.
The sudden surge has led to a growing trend of individuals opting to celebrate Christmas and New Year within the festive atmosphere of the UAE.
Holiday Plans in Flux
Since the start of school vacations in December 2023, aeroplane ticket costs have increased by 50 to 60%, according to Lakshmi Anand, Managing Partner of S&T Travel Dubai. Compared to the summer vacation costs of roughly Dh2,000, popular tourist locations including Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia now have flights beginning at Dh3,200.
Even countries with e-visa options, such as Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Albania, have witnessed substantial increases in flight fares, causing challenges for travellers in finalising holiday packages.
Impact on Traditional Homebound Journeys
Typically, families plan trips to their home countries during the winter break. However, the current surge in ticket prices is disrupting this trend. Travellers heading to countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines are experiencing a 50% hike in flight costs throughout this winter until the second week of January 2024.
Early Booking Trends
Travel agents highlight that families opting for traditional homebound journeys during the winter break usually make bookings several months in advance to secure more competitive rates. The rise in fares is not limited to specific regions but is observed globally, affecting destinations like European countries, the US, and India. Prices have nearly doubled, with a notable 50–60% increase during school vacations compared to the preceding month.
As the demand for winter travel intensifies, the surge in flight prices is reshaping holiday plans for UAE residents, encouraging a shift towards celebrating the festive season within the vibrant atmosphere of the Emirates.
