Today marks the return to school for thousands of students as UAE residents re-enter their regular routines post the two-month summer break. Those who procrastinated on booking their return flights are now facing a steep rise in airfares, with some opting to delay their homecoming. Despite the surge, savvy travelers can still secure economical flights through strategic planning. Industry insiders suggest being flexible with travel dates, considering less popular airports, and utilizing fare comparison tools and alerts to snag the best rates.
Ayoub El Mamoun, a travel guru at Skyscanner, emphasizes the value of flexibility and foresight. He advises, "Opt for flexible travel dates – those who booked around August 12 saved up to 11% compared to early July," as reported by Khaleej Times. Rashida Zahid, VP Operations at Musafir, recommends booking during off-peak times to potentially save. Selecting alternative airports can also trim costs, with residents, particularly those with large families, saving significantly by choosing connecting over direct flights to the UAE.
Zahid attributes the fare hikes to the seasonal influx of residents returning for the academic year. "The back-to-school rush and end of summer holidays have led to a surge in demand, causing ticket prices to soar," she explains. These increases affect all travelers, especially those on essential trips like work or family visits. Zahid observes, "While some leisure travel might decline due to higher prices, essential trips remain resilient."
The demand spike has resulted in significant fare increases on several routes. Zahid notes, "Flights from India, the UK, Egypt, and the Philippines to the UAE have risen by about 15-20% this month." Specific routes, notably to southern India and London, have seen the sharpest rises due to the ongoing school holidays. El Mamoun also reports similar hikes for flights to European hotspots like London and Paris, driven by the desire to escape the UAE's heat for cooler climates.
Airfare fluctuations are typical during peak seasons and holidays. Zahid highlights that routes to India, the UK, Egypt, and the Philippines see increases during festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Easter. Looking forward, both experts predict that ticket prices will stay high during peak travel times and major holidays. El Mamoun adds that flight costs are generally higher now than in 2019 due to factors like inflation and fuel prices, though increased airline capacity and budget carrier competition might occasionally lead to price drops, especially with new route launches.
