Dubai – Travellers in the UAE have a short window to snag some of the cheapest flights of the year. Airfares are dropping sharply on January 1, with flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut starting at just Dh114, compared to over Dh700 during the peak holiday season.
The trend isn’t a surprise for industry experts. Every year, after Dubai and the UAE host their extravagant New Year celebrations, outbound travel slows down. Airlines lower fares for the quieter day, giving residents and tourists a chance to fly abroad at reduced prices.
Why Flights Are Cheaper on January 1?
“January 1 is usually quiet for travel. Most people are recovering from New Year’s Eve and prefer to rest rather than rush to the airport,” explains Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism.
In December, Dubai becomes a hotspot for holiday celebrations. The city is alive with events, fireworks at Burj Khalifa, and bustling hotels and malls. Many residents and tourists choose to celebrate locally rather than travel abroad, which slows outbound flights. At the same time, tourist arrivals in the UAE continue to rise, keeping the city packed but outbound flights low in demand.
Travel agents note that the dip in fares is short-lived, often lasting just a day or two before prices return to normal. For travellers who are flexible, January 1 presents a rare opportunity to catch these deals.
Destinations Seeing Big Drops
Several routes are offering significant reductions:
- Beirut: Abu Dhabi departures start at Dh114, a steep drop from Dh700+ during peak season.
- Kochi: Flights from Dubai fall to Dh694 from around Dh870.
- Cairo: Prices drop from about Dh620 to Dh470.
- Tbilisi: The fare falls sharply from Dh1,259 to Dh563.
These deals cover destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caucasus, giving travellers plenty of options for quick escapes.
“Some residents like to extend their New Year celebrations with a short getaway. These fares make it possible to explore nearby cities without breaking the bank,” says Pavan Poojary, travel consultant at Luxury Travels.
How UAE Travellers Can Make the Most of It?
For locals and residents, January 1 is a golden chance to book budget-friendly flights. With many hotels and attractions still buzzing from New Year’s, these deals allow short trips to regional destinations.
Tips to get the best fares:
- Be flexible with departure airports – Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah flights may differ in price.
- Check flights departing mid-week – these often have better deals than weekend departures.
- Book early on January 1 – the low fares may vanish by the next day.
These strategies work especially well for residents who can afford to be spontaneous after the celebrations.
Local Context: Why Timing Matters
In Dubai, December is always a busy month for both leisure and business travel. Events like the DSF fireworks, Burj Khalifa celebrations, and Dubai Frame drone shows draw huge crowds. Many families and friends prefer staying in town to enjoy the festivities rather than rushing abroad.
This timing also aligns with visa and travel rules. Some tourists may reach their visit visa quotas by December, which discourages travel right after the holidays. Residents, meanwhile, often plan their trips around school breaks or work holidays, making January 1 a quieter day for flying.
A Quick Word on Post-New Year Travel Trends
Travel experts consistently see the same pattern: airfares dip immediately after New Year due to low demand but bounce back as normal travel resumes. For UAE travellers, this short window is a rare chance to save.
Whether it’s a spontaneous trip to Beirut for a weekend getaway, a visit to Cairo for family, or exploring Tbilisi’s winter charm, January 1 fares provide opportunities that don’t come often.
The post-New Year period offers a brief but valuable chance for UAE residents and visitors to enjoy discounted airfares. Flights to destinations like Beirut, Kochi, Cairo, and Tbilisi are cheaper than usual, with January 1 being the sweet spot to travel. For those flexible with plans, this is the perfect moment to book a getaway before prices rise again.
Source: Khaleej Times
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