Data from flight booking websites shows four main peak periods during 2026 when ticket prices rise, primarily coinciding with school holidays and holiday seasons. According to two officials from tourism and travel agencies, knowing these peak times helps travelers make smart decisions about when to fly. It provides a clearer view of expected prices and encourages early booking, which offers a wider choice of flights and seats at better prices compared to last-minute bookings. Specifically, data from flight booking sites reveals four main peak periods for local flight prices in 2026, aligning with holidays, school breaks, and festive seasons. Popular destinations for travel include Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Damascus, and Alexandria, based on a two-week ticket price index for direct flights from UAE airports. The primary peak periods, based on initial demand rates, include the overlap of spring school breaks with Eid al-Fitr (mid-March to early April 2026) and Eid al-Adha, a short but 'sharp' price peak from May 22 to early June 2026, especially to high-demand Arab destinations. According to the data, flight prices reach significantly high levels for a relatively long period during the summer break, from late June to late August. This is the year's longest peak period, with ticket prices peaking in mid-June 2026. Additionally, there is a strong seasonal peak for air travel from the UAE to Arab destinations during winter, driven by the combination of year-end holidays and school breaks. This peak lasts from mid-December 2026 to early January 2027, when flight prices are at their highest compared to other winter months. Demand begins to rise gradually in the second week of December before peaking at the end of the month and continuing into January 2027. Amin Al-Awadi, General Manager of Al Awadi Travel, stated: 'This year sees four main peaks for Arab travel, starting with Eid al-Fitr, followed by Eid al-Adha, the summer season, and culminating in the winter peak at the end of 2026.' He added, 'Summer is no longer the only high-demand season; travel is now spread across multiple periods, especially with the rise in family travel.' Al-Awadi explained that ticket prices during travel peaks are over 50% higher than usual, increasing gradually as more seats on a flight are sold. The price hikes are even greater for last-minute bookings made days or hours before travel. He confirmed that the first major price surge begins about a month before Eid al-Fitr, when bookings increase significantly to destinations like Cairo, Amman, and Beirut, as residents travel to celebrate with their families. 'We notice prices start to rise gradually, then jump in the two weeks before Eid al-Fitr. In some cases, they double compared to low-demand periods,' he said. Regarding the Eid al-Adha peak, he noted it is characterized by a rapid but short-lived price increase. 'Demand is concentrated on very specific days, causing flight seats to sell out quickly, especially on direct flights to nearby Arab countries.' Al-Awadi warned that the summer season remains the biggest annual peak. 'The period from July to mid-August 2026 sees significant price increases because demand includes entire families, not just individuals, coinciding with school holidays across the region.' He pointed out that travelers have become more aware in recent years, with a notable increase in early bookings, especially among families, due to volatile prices and rising regional demand for air travel. Early booking gives travelers more options and reduces the chance of facing unexpected price hikes. He also emphasized the importance of monitoring prices well in advance of booking to understand normal price levels and identify the best time to book. Sherif Al-Farm, CEO of Sherif House Travel, commented on the shift in travel patterns: 'Air travel to Arab destinations shows a clear transformation in demand models, with multiple seasonal peaks throughout the year.' He stressed that 'early planning is key to controlling travel costs.' Knowing peak travel months, such as holidays, summer, and year-end, helps in making smart decisions. Reviewing the annual calendar before planning provides a clearer view of expected prices and helps choose a time that balances cost and comfort. Al-Farm confirmed that the winter peak has become a strong competitor to summer in recent years. 'Year-end holidays combine family trips and tourism, leading to high demand on flights from mid-December 2026 to early January 2027.' He noted that high demand during this period reduces promotional offers and causes prices to rise as the travel date approaches. The best strategy to avoid price increases is early planning. 'The golden rule is to book well in advance of the peak, as prices already high during these periods will continue to rise with more seats sold.' He also highlighted that choosing travel days plays a crucial role in reducing costs. Flexibility in booking dates can lower ticket prices, and traveling just before or after a peak can save money. 'The return date on a ticket can significantly increase costs, as pricing systems depend on the balance of demand for outbound and return flights, not just one way. This shows the importance of flexibility in dates.' Reviewing the annual calendar before planning gives travelers a clearer view of expected prices and helps them choose a time that balances cost and comfort.
