The Dubai holidays are officially now upon us for Eid Al Adha and people in the UAE are showing their pent-up demands for long vacations. Government buildings and several schools are closed for a number of consecutive days, as millions of people have to take flights during a very small time frame.
That means airfares have jumped drastically on key routes away from the UAE. Outbound travel searches have increased by over 51% over the past year, putting significant strain on airlines, airports and booking platforms in the run up to this holiday season, industry tracking revealed.
Why Are Last-Minute Eid Flights So Expensive?
These significant increases in air fares are the result of a mix of holiday demand, a surge in jet fuel pricing and persistent congestion over airspace in the region. There’s also greater regulatory control on routes, resulting in fewer seats available on some busy routes.
UAE residents are specifically booking heavily in popular destinations like India, Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Sri Lanka. There are a number of flights where the seats are almost full and the ticket prices are also quite high.
Worst Days to Fly Out of the UAE
Friday, May 22 and Saturday May 23 are the highest priced days to fly out of the UAE, according to travel experts. These dates are at the start of school holidays and coincide with public sector holidays and vacation periods, resulting in a massive outbound travel wave.
Many direct flights have no or limited seat availability and invites are expected to be heavily congested during the period with many airports, such as Dubai International Airport and Zayed International Airport, being full or close to full.
Why is Sunday and Monday expensive?
Travelers often will be able to find a bit more affordable last-minute or multi-stop flight to New York on Sunday, May 24, but they’ll continue to pay top dollar for tickets. But generally, these modes of transport have longer durations and constrained risk of transport.
Private Sector workers finally head off to take their vacations on Monday, May 25, and that’s setting the tone for today too! The evening travel time on Mondays is particularly costly as the heat of the night is on for those wanting to leave before the Eid starts.
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Cheapest days to fly this Eid week
Tuesday afternoon, May 26 and Wednesday, May 27. There’s been a marked discount on flights for Arafat Day after the rush hour flights the morning of the day, and those that are now leaving are considerably cheaper than the weekend peak.
In fact, Wednesdays are even cheaper as loads of families are getting on the planes before Eid celebrations, giving space to later ones.
Hidden Costs Most Travelers Ignore
Apart from the limitations you run into as a last minute booker, one of the biggest hazards for late bookers is multi-stop itineraries. A direct flight might have a lower ticket price, but might present a risk with short layovers during busy travel times if there is a possibility of flight cancellations.
A missed connection would mean that those trapped may be forced to buy last minute tickets which will be expensive. If it’s an indirect route, more time should be given for travel.
Fuel Surcharges Are Quietly Increasing
Many travelers also see what they describe as “unusually high ‘carrier-imposed fees’ at the last minute of their travel booking. As jet fuel costs in many parts of the world remain volatile, caused by continuing regional energy tensions, airlines are making subtle additions of fuel surcharges.
An airfare that might seem affordable can come with hidden charges, which can add up to high final ticket prices.
FAQs
Which are the most expensive days to fly with regards to the UAE before Eid Al Adha?
May 22 and May 23 are both school holidays and public sector holidays, and are currently the most costly travel dates.
What are the days when the Eid airfare is the lowest?
Fares have come down for Tuesday, May 26 flights following 2 PM and on Wednesday May 27 through the remainder of the week.
What’s causing the high prices for the flights to and from Eid this year?
Factors pushing up prices include high demand on holidays, parochial concerns about airspace usage, and the availability of seats, among others, as well as rising jet fuel costs.
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