Despite facing significantly increased flight prices, many UAE residents are proceeding with plans for holiday homecomings and exotic escapes during the lengthy Eid Al Adha break. With the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict, UAE hoteliers are anticipating a surge in staycations as travelers choose to avoid steep airfares. For a number of individuals, the desire to travel during the extended holiday—which can last up to nine days for public sector employees—proves irresistible.
Dubai resident Karan Mehrotra has decided to make the most of the timing, planning a trip back to Delhi, India, coupled with a group vacation to the popular tourist destination of Bali. He expressed a preference for booking with Emirates over Indian carriers, even at a higher price, citing the assurance it offers. “Airfare is definitely more expensive … I paid approximately 30–35 per cent more than what I would typically pay for a return flight to India,” Mehrotra shared.
His previous plans to travel to Armenia during Eid Al Fitr were disrupted when his Air Arabia flight was canceled due to the Iran conflict, leading to the cancellation of all related reservations.
Another traveler, Jihyun An, hailing from South Korea and residing in Dubai, is also headed to Thailand to visit a friend. However, she has opted for a shortened trip, now planning four days in Bangkok and three in Phuket due to the high travel expenses. “The upcoming flight back is super expensive if I’m flying on Sunday, May 31,” she noted, expressing her surprise at the remarkable increase in airfare during the holiday period.
Airfare for the route from Phuket to Sharjah has soared to around Dh2,500 towards the end of Eid, compared to the typical pricing of about Dh1,049 to Dh1,091 for most of June. This surge is attributed to heightened demand during the holiday and rising jet fuel costs, exacerbated by disruptions linked to the Iran situation.
Recent data analysis from Travel Data Analytics indicates a notable increase in interest among UAE travelers for nearby destinations such as Cairo, New Delhi, Istanbul, and Amman compared to last year. Other sought-after locations include Tbilisi, Bali, and Phuket—areas that are easily accessible from the Emirates.
Carlos Cendra, chief marketing officer at The Data Appeal Company, remarked on the trend, stating, “Rather than prioritizing new discoveries, travelers are leaning towards close-to-home locations they know and trust, favouring convenience, cultural familiarity, and ease of access during the holiday period.”
In contrast, those opting for private jet travel are exploring more distant destinations. VistaJet has reported a 144 percent increase in bookings during this holiday period compared to early June, with a strong demand for both regional and European trips, particularly to cooler climates. Simon Budden, senior vice president at VistaJet, noted that this year’s Eid travel patterns signify a shift towards Europe, especially among those wishing to extend their holidays beyond the usual long weekend.
With average flight times increasing by 62 percent, travelers are looking to make the most of their breaks, often choosing longer stays and multi-stop itineraries that prioritize family time and leisure activities during the summer season.
Source: The National
