Why Did Your Eid Flight Just Get 15% More Expensive This Morning?

Eid Al Adha travel is now the most sought-after journey in all the UAE, with residents trying to book tickets before the rates go further up. Arafah Day is anticipated on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, signalling one of the longest holiday seasons this year, which is putting huge pressure on airlines, hotels and travel platforms.

The market is now in the “critical booking window” where the cost of travel can rise and fall by several hundred dollars within a few hours, travel experts say. For many travellers, the waiting time will come at a price of hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of dirhams for the same ticket.

The Fuel Price Surge Behind the Fare Hike

The main reason for the sudden rise in fares is the steep jump in international jet fuel prices. Analysts are saying that aviation fuel costs have risen to nearly $150 per barrel this week, and airlines are trying to respond by raising their operational costs via Eid surcharges.

Nearly 15% more flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to major cities, including London, Manila and Cairo have reportedly seen a surge in flights in the past 24 hours. Industry experts think prices may increase more after official Eid holiday announcements that are expected later this month.

The “9-Day Vacation” Travel Rush

A major cause for the increase in airfares is the viral “Monday Hack” that is spreading across social media. The UAE residents have found that if they take a day of their annual leave on Monday, May 25, they will get the complete 9-day vacation, which includes the weekends and the Eid holiday.

This travel scheme has led to a drastic surge in visa-on-arrival applications to countries like Georgia, Azerbaijan and Thailand. As families start to book holidays earlier than normal, many low-cost flights are already disappearing, according to travel agencies.

Red Sea Destinations Become the New Luxury Trend

Luxury travel too is a significant hit this Eid. Red Sea Global has recently announced 32 new flights for the Red Sea during the period from 21st May to 31st May to cater to the increased demand for tourism in the Red Sea.

Flying companies such as Saudi carriers and flydubai are increasing flights to Red Sea International Airport, providing speedy access to luxury resorts and ecotourism sites. Today, more and more UAE residents are opting for more local trips rather than longer trips to Europe.

Why Travellers Should Book Immediately

The experts say it may be an expensive wait for the official announcement of the moon’s sighting, which should be sometime around May 18. The situation is that historically, the air tickets shoot up in the last 2 weeks leading up to Eid, and particularly on routes that are popular with GCC travellers.

Many expatriates are also being forced to seek visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations due to a shortage of appointments for visas in Schengen. Travel consultants say that until late June, it is too late to book appointments in several European countries, with virtually no UAE residents having the opportunity to do so spontaneously.

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Smart Tips to Save on Eid Travel

Those looking to save money should try travelling during the week, avoiding travelling on weekends, and travelling to nearby destinations in the GCC or Asia. Booking directly from airline websites may also provide other exclusive discounts and offers regarding baggage.

What experts also suggest is to place alerts regarding the fares and make hotel bookings early on, as the demand for flights increases during Eid holidays, which consequently leads to an increase in hotel rates.

FAQs

Q1. What could have caused the surge in Eid flight prices?

The cost of flights rose primarily due to the high demand for holidays during the period and the high prices of jet fuel in the world, in particular in the GCC.

Q2. What is the “9-Day Vacation Hack”?

With the leave on Monday, 25th May, UAE residents can have extended leave periods that allow them to take their weekends and Eid together to make 9 days of leave.

Q3. Where are people going trending for Eid 2026?

This year, the most popular Eid destinations are in Georgia, Azerbaijan, Thailand and Red Sea resorts.

Q4. Should one fly now or from now on?

The experts in the travel industry are highly recommending booking as soon as possible, as the prices are likely to keep increasing towards Eid.