Dubaiuncovered

UAE Residents to Pay More for Flights During UAE Union Day Weekend

Travel plans for the upcoming UAE Union Day weekend are facing a price surge, with ticket rates increasing by 15-30% from September fares. Certain destinations are experiencing a doubling of ticket rates compared to the off-peak phase in September.

Return Economy airfares from Dubai to Mumbai are averaging Dh1,482 compared to Dh875 just a month ago. Flights to London have seen a significant increase, rising to Dh3,805 from Dh2,530 in September. The hike in ticket rates has also affected popular South Asian destinations such as Bangkok and Tokyo.

The announcement of the extended UAE Union Day weekend, which includes Monday, December 4, has led to additional spikes in ticket rates on high-demand routes. Flights to major airports in India and the United States have seen the most significant increases.

While fares to Europe remain stable, persistent delays in Schengen visa appointments from the UAE are causing travelers to defer their European holiday plans until after January 10, 2024.

As the UAE Union Day holidays stretch over Saturday to Monday, some travelers are postponing their trips to avoid peak rates. Families, in particular, are considering traveling after December 9 when schools close for the winter break. However, fares remain high, prompting travelers to look for nearby destinations with lower fares.

To save on high costs, travelers are opting for group and custom travel packages offered by travel agencies. Popular destinations for the upcoming vacation plans include Georgia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan.

Additionally, many travelers are choosing connecting flights instead of direct flights to save on costs and extend their holiday days by one to two days.

The surge in ticket rates and travelers’ strategies to save on costs signal a challenging holiday season for UAE residents planning to travel during the UAE Union Day weekend.