With the Eid Al Adha holidays fast approaching, UAE residents planning regional travel are being met with a sharp rise in ticket prices—particularly for flights to popular Arab destinations. According to leading travel industry professionals, airfares during the peak travel window have surged by up to 60 per cent compared to average rates, driven by high demand and limited seat availability.
Soaring Travel Demand Sends Prices Skyrocketing
Peak-season demand has once again made Eid Al Adha one of the most expensive times to fly. Airfares to Arab destinations have risen 20–30% on average, with peak-day hikes up to 60%, says Bharat Aidasani of Pluto Travels.
“Because of the peak season, people love to travel, especially in the summer and during holiday times like Eid,” Aidasani explained. “Airlines are well aware of the trend and often expand routes or increase flight frequency where demand is highest.”
More travel options don’t guarantee savings, especially for last-minute bookings.
Eid Al Adha: Arab Destinations Remain Top of Mind
Flights to destinations such as Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia continue to lead demand. These countries remain key travel spots for UAE residents due to cultural ties, family reunions, and religious significance, particularly with the ongoing Hajj and Umrah season.
Egypt and Morocco are seeing the steepest increase in bookings this Eid, according to Praveen Choudhary of Al Saffron Travel and Tourism. “We’re processing a significantly higher number of Egypt visa applications from UAE residents, especially families looking to celebrate Eid abroad,” he said.
Meanwhile, Zain Al Abdin, Sales Manager at Golden Eagle Travel & Tourism, confirmed that carriers like FlyDubai and Emirates have added flights to Syria to meet increased demand. However, he noted that prices have still spiked by up to 50 per cent on some routes. “Syrian Airlines was once the sole operator on this route, but increased competition hasn’t necessarily reduced costs.”
Last-Minute Bookings Come at a Steep Cost
For residents booking last-minute, flexibility may be limited and prices much higher—especially for non-refundable ticket types, which make up approximately 90 per cent of bookings, according to Al Abdin. “People are often locked into specific travel dates aligned with public sector holidays, and this limits their ability to find better fares,” he noted.
Industry experts advise booking at least 40 to 45 days in advance to secure competitive pricing. “A Dh500 ticket booked early could cost over Dh1,000 now,” Choudhary warned.
Post-Eid Travel May Offer Better Value
While demand is currently peaking, some residents are choosing to delay travel until after Eid Al Adha. Families postpone travel due to holiday-school exam overlap, opting for summer break instead.
“This year, we’re seeing a slight dip in Eid bookings compared to last Eid,” said Al Abdin. “Rather than spending Dh4,000 on a short three-day trip now, many prefer to invest Dh7,000 later on a more extensive summer getaway.”
Post-Eid travel is also expected to be more affordable, particularly for long-haul destinations such as Europe, Russia, Japan, Korea, and northern Turkey. These routes become more appealing once the Eid rush subsides and seat availability improves.
Changing Travel Preferences
During Eid, short-haul destinations like Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Istanbul remain the go-to choices for quick getaways. For long-haul trips, UAE travellers prefer longer school and corporate breaks to maximize holiday budgets.
“People want value for their money. They would rather wait and enjoy a two-week European summer holiday than pay premium prices for a few days away,” Aidasani said.
Planning Ahead is the Key
With travel season in full swing, experts continue to stress the importance of planning early—not just to save on ticket prices, but to ensure visa processing and accommodation availability. Airfares consistently rise sharply around public holidays in the UAE, and this Eid follows the trend.
If you’re considering a getaway this Eid Al Adha, weigh your options carefully. Last-minute bookings may leave little room for flexibility or savings, while post-Eid travel could offer better rates and more choices.
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