UAE airfares set to rise up to 30% during peak travel seasons this year

Airfares in the UAE are expected to increase by up to 30% during peak travel seasons this year, driven by surging jet fuel prices—now over double since late February—and ongoing flight disruptions from the US-Israel-Iran conflict. The overlap of Hajj season with summer breaks has further tightened capacity, pushing prices higher across popular routes, including destinations like India, Pakistan, and Europe. Travel agents report that fares for Eid Al Adha this week are already 30-40% higher than last year, with regional and Arab routes experiencing the sharpest hikes—some up to 45%—due to high demand and limited availability. Direct flights, weekend departures, and short-notice bookings are particularly affected, according to Mir Wasim Raja of International Travel Services (ITS), who advises travelers to book early to avoid last-minute surges. Masna Haseen, head of growth marketing at Cleartrip, notes that while overall year-round fares won’t see permanent spikes, peak periods like summer and year-end holidays will remain elevated. Airlines, operating below pre-war capacity, are gradually expanding routes but cannot yet meet surging demand, keeping prices dynamic. Early bookings and flexibility may still yield better deals, though elevated costs are expected through summer, school holidays, and major events like National Day and Christmas. UAE and Gulf carriers are adjusting capacity where possible, but constrained flight availability—combined with fuel costs and holiday travel—will keep fares firm for the foreseeable future. Haseen emphasizes that the 30% increase applies mainly to peak dates and limited routes, not average fares across all destinations. Travelers planning trips during these periods should monitor pricing closely and consider advance reservations to mitigate costs.