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UAE Union Day Weekend: Travel Prices Surge

As the UAE Union Day weekend approaches, travelers will be paying 15-30% more for flights compared to September fares, to destinations like India and the US. Ticket rates have even doubled in some cases since September.

For example, return Economy airfares for travel from November 28 to December 3 average Dh1,482 (Dubai to Mumbai) to Dh3,805 (Dubai to London), showing a significant increase from just a month ago. Popular South Asian destinations like Bangkok and Tokyo have also seen surges compared to post-summer lows.

Following the announcement that the UAE Union Day weekend will include Monday, December 4, ticket rates on high demand routes increased even further. Flights to India and the United States saw the most significant rate hikes, while fares to the UK are expected to see an additional 10-15% increase as the Christmas and New Year breaks approach.

In contrast, tickets to Europe have remained stable, with low demand due to delays in visa appointments compelling travelers to defer their European holiday plans until post-January 10, 2024.

Moreover, since the UAE Union Day holidays stretch from December 2 to 4, some travelers, especially families, are shifting their trips to after these dates to avoid peak rates. Families are also considering traveling post-December 9 when schools close for the winter break, opting for nearby destinations with lower fares, such as Istanbul.

To save on high costs, travelers are opting for group and custom travel packages offered by travel agencies, with top destinations including Georgia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. Additionally, many travelers are choosing connecting flights instead of direct ones and are extending their holiday days by one to two days to save on time.

In summary, while ticket prices have surged for the extended UAE Union Day weekend, travelers are strategically planning their trips to save on costs and make the most of their holidays.