Dubai: UAE residents planning holidays in the coming weeks are facing a clear airfare divide, with lower ticket prices during Ramadan and higher fares expected around Eid Al Fitr, travel industry officials said.
Travel demand is forming in two phases due to the school calendar. The February mid-term break runs from February 11 to 15, followed by the longer spring and Eid holiday period from March 16 to 29, with some private schools resuming earlier.
Industry experts say February and early March remain the cheapest time to travel, while prices increase steadily for departures closer to Eid.
Ramadan has traditionally been a quieter travel period. Safeer Mahmood, General Manager at Smart Travel Group, said airlines usually see softer demand during the holy month, which results in more competitive pricing. He added that many non-Muslim residents prefer travelling during Ramadan due to lower fares.
Mahmood said demand begins to rise by mid-March as CBSE exams conclude, increasing both inbound and outbound travel. University students also contribute to demand through short weekend trips.
As Eid approaches, airfare levels rise sharply. Mahmood said destinations in Europe, the Far East and CIS countries are seeing strong demand due to favourable weather and easier visa access.
This year, the overlap of school holidays and Eid Al Fitr has pushed fares significantly higher than during Ramadan, with seats selling out earlier.
TP Sudheesh, General Manager at Deira Travels, said many expatriate families are using the break for short visits home rather than extended vacations.
He said destinations with simple visa processes and short flight times, including Armenia, Georgia and Baku, remain popular. Demand is also growing for Malaysia, Bali, Vietnam and Japan, while some Arab travellers are showing interest in Poland.
Sudheesh said most travellers are postponing longer holidays until the summer.
Travel companies also report rising interest in regional trips and staycations. Enquiries for Oman are increasing, while Turkey continues to attract UAE travellers seeking value and shorter travel durations.
Travel agents advise passengers planning to travel during Eid to book early, as fares are expected to rise further closer to departure dates.
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