Residents of the United Arab Emirates planning an Eid al-Fitr getaway are facing sharply higher airfares, with return economy ticket prices nearly doubling compared to February and rising 15–20 per cent over last year’s Eid period.
For travel between March 19 and 30, return fares from Dubai to London have climbed to Dh4,075, compared to off-season fares of Dh1,837. Tickets to Lisbon cost Dh4,674, while fares to Osaka stand at Dh7,995. Other popular routes include Almaty (Dh2,901), Bangkok (Dh4,005), and Phuket (Dh4,855).
From Abu Dhabi, return fares to Amsterdam are Dh2,730, to London Dh4,090, Zurich Dh3,890, Berlin Dh3,310, and Saint Petersburg Dh3,505.
Travel agents report that demand has been building since early January, with many residents booking trips between March 19 and 28 to maximize the holiday break.
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, said Japan is witnessing “very high” demand due to the cherry blossom season.
However, visa appointment delays remain a challenge. He noted that Japan packages are about 20 per cent more expensive this Eid, ranging between Dh11,000 and Dh12,000.
Europe is also seeing strong bookings, particularly in Switzerland, Paris, and the Netherlands, although Schengen visa appointment slots are limited. Prices for European packages are 15–20 per cent higher than last year.
Far East destinations such as South Korea and Japan remain popular with families and couples. Phuket and Krabi in Thailand are attracting travelers due to visa-on-arrival access.
Visa-friendly destinations like Georgia, Baku, and Almaty continue to draw steady interest.
Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, said bookings are robust, especially for departures between March 26 and 29. He described airfare levels as “very high” and noted rising interest in cruise holidays, including halal cruise options.
India remains a key market, with many residents combining Eid holidays with school breaks. However, fares between India and the UAE are also elevated through early April due to the peak travel season.
While some travelers remain mindful of potential geopolitical disruptions, travel demand remains strong.
For most UAE residents, however, the biggest concern this Eid is the soaring cost of flights compared to both February fares and last year’s festive season.