Airfare prices from the UAE to several Arab destinations have seen a significant increase, reaching up to 50% next December, compared to average flight prices in October and November. This coincides with the winter school holiday and festive season, according to data from ticket booking websites.
According to data monitored by "Emirates Today," the prices for travel tickets (round trips for seven days) will remain at high levels starting from the first week of December, peaking at the end of the month. Ticket price increases will continue until January 10, but with varying rates.
The average price increase for flights to Damascus reached about 50% for seven-day trips in December, rising from an average of 1,200 dirhams in November to 1,800 dirhams in December. The average increase to Beirut was around 38%, from 1,300 to 1,800 dirhams, followed by Amman with a 33% increase, from 1,200 to 1,600 dirhams.
The average price increase for flights to Cairo was about 27%, from 1,100 to 1,400 dirhams, and to Alexandria by 20%, from 1,000 to 1,200 dirhams for a week-long trip in December.
The data includes prices for direct round-trip flights. These are base prices that are subject to availability and are the lowest cost. They differ from "flexible fares" that offer additional benefits to customers, including the ability to change without a fee and other perks.
Variable Increases
Ticket prices continue to rise at varying rates throughout December and into mid-January. At this time, relatively close tourist destinations are showing mixed price increases, especially tourist spots in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The CEO of "Al Rais Travel Group," Mohammed Jasim Al Rais, stated that demand for travel for December bookings began to rise in October of this year, noting that travel activity in the UAE is witnessing a significant surge with the approach of winter school holidays and official public holidays. Booking indicators point to a major peak expected in December, driven by a high family demand for travel to Arab and nearby tourist destinations, which has clearly reflected in airfare prices that have recorded increases in recent weeks.
Al Rais added that the price increase is mainly linked to higher flight occupancy rates. With limited seat availability during the season due to high demand, airlines are gradually raising prices to keep up with demand. He expects airfare prices to remain at high levels throughout December and into the first week of January, amid increasing demand for returning from holidays during that period.
Al Rais explained that the earlier the booking is made, the greater the chances of getting lower prices, especially for destinations with high demand, such as Arab capitals and European cities, noting that prices are likely to rise further in the coming days.
Additional Increases
In turn, the General Manager of "Al Awadi Travel," Amin Al Awadi, stated that current prices do not yet represent the actual peak. He expects another wave of price increases in the near future, especially with the start of the first semester break and an increase in family bookings, whether for visits or tourist holidays. He noted that the largest demand is concentrated in the first and last weeks of December primarily.
Al Awadi added that December has become one of the peak travel periods from the UAE, but it seems more active this year. Demand started to rise at the end of October and accelerates with the approach of long school holidays and the New Year occasion. He pointed out that demand starts early, as many customers rush to book their trips well in advance to avoid higher prices later. Airlines, in turn, are preparing for this season.
He pointed out that short trips to nearby destinations are still a preferred option for young people and families looking for a relatively lower-cost holiday, adding: "Even these destinations have seen price increases with the rise in demand for winter travel."
Notable Demand
Al Awadi pointed out that the price increases are not limited to Arab destinations but extend to nearby tourist destinations in Europe and Central Asia due to demand for travel during the holiday season.
He confirmed that Arab destinations still top the demand from residents in the country during the winter season, with flights to Beirut, Amman, Cairo, and Damascus witnessing notable demand. He noted that prices to these destinations continue to rise for December flights due to high occupancy rates and limited seats, expecting airlines to operate additional flights during this period.
Al Awadi said that flexibility in dates and early booking are the two most important factors to avoid high prices during this period, noting that promotional offers and low-price tickets may be non-changeable or non-refundable, so it is necessary to read the terms carefully before booking to avoid additional fees later.
He also pointed out that hotel accommodation prices are also rising in December, so it is advisable to book hotels in the destination in advance to avoid high costs, expecting travel demand to remain at high levels until the first week of January next year, before prices start to decline gradually in the following period.
