Eid, school holidays push UAE airfares up by 20%
Listen to article
Travel experts in the UAE report a sharp rise in holiday bookings for Eid ul Fitr, with airfares increasing by up to 20% due to overlapping school spring break holidays.
Eid is expected to fall on March 31, while UAE schools begin their spring break on March 18, leading to a surge in outbound and inbound travel.
"We've observed a 30% rise in holiday bookings during the Eid and spring break period," said Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. Popular destinations include Switzerland, Italy, Latvia, Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia), Africa (South Africa, Kenya, Zanzibar), and CIS countries (Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan).
Inbound Travel on the Rise
Babu also noted a 25% increase in inbound travel as UAE residents invite family and friends for Eid celebrations. "Travel fares have risen by 15-20% compared to last month due to heightened demand and last-minute bookings," he added.
To accommodate the surge, UAE-based, regional, and international airlines have increased flights.
Airfare Hike Due to Eid and School Holidays
Echoing this trend, Reena Philip, General Manager of Airtravel Enterprises and Tourism LLC, highlighted that airfares have risen by 20-30% due to Eid coinciding with school vacations.
"Typically, fares rise during Eid or school holidays separately, but with both occurring together, the increase is even higher," Philip explained. She noted strong demand for European travel, though many travellers struggle to secure Schengen visas due to appointment delays.
Meanwhile, business travel has slowed by 30% during Ramadan but is expected to recover in the third week as the fasting period nears its end.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Thousands of tourists flock to Jab Valley
In a striking display of Pakistan's growing eco-tourism potential, thousands of tourists from across the country flocked to Jab Valley in Haripur during the Eid holidays, turning the once-obscure locale into one of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's most sought-after destinations. Located approximately 80 kilometres from Islamabad and 170 kilometres from Peshawar, Jab Valley has quietly evolved into a nature lover's haven, home to a chain of eight waterfalls that cascade in succession through forested cliffs. The valley lies just a short drive from Khanpur Dam, making it a convenient addition to traditional tourist itineraries. The waterfalls, some plunging from heights of up to 200 metres, were first discovered and documented in 2021 by Hassan Nisar, a YouTuber and founder of Metrix Pakistan. His efforts not only brought the natural beauty of Jab Valley to the forefront but also helped promote the region nationally and internationally through digital media. The viral videos and widespread coverage that followed played a central role in establishing Jab Valley as a new hub for eco-tourism. "I still remember hiking into the valley for the first time and hearing the roar of the waterfalls echoing through the cliffs. I knew instantly that the world needed to see this," said Nisar, smiling as he watched families pose for photos near the cascading waters. "Today, seeing so many people here appreciating the natural beauty of this place fills me with pride. This is exactly what I dreamed of - tourism that uplifts communities and brings people closer to nature." He added that Jab Valley now needs targeted government investment and infrastructure development. "With official support, this place can become a signature site of Pakistan's tourism in the new era - a model for sustainable, community-led and eco-friendly travel." "I came here with my friends from Lahore after seeing a video online. It's nothing like Murree or the usual tourist spots. It's peaceful and untouched," said Areeba Malik, a visitor from Punjab. Jab Valley's charm lies in its resistance to commercial trappings. With no mega resorts, plastic waste or urban noise, it offers a rare sensory retreat: the gushing of the waterfalls, the call of native birds and the whisper of the wind through towering pine trees and centuries-old wild olive groves, known locally as zaitoon. The ecological diversity of the region is remarkable. Migratory birds, porcupines, and foxes roam freely, while local flora includes medicinal plants long used by villagers for traditional healing. The valley's discovery has not only enriched Pakistan's natural tourism map. It has also revived the local economy. Shoukat, a roadside daba owner in the area, credits the influx of tourists for a threefold increase in his daily earnings since 2021. "Before, I used to make around Rs400 a day. Now during peak season or Eid, I can earn up to Rs1,200. That's a big difference for someone like me," he said, flashing a grateful smile. Despite the growing footfall, infrastructure remains minimal. Access roads are unpaved in sections, and there are no formal visitor facilities beyond a few local tea stalls and makeshift seating areas. While this lack of development adds to the valley's rustic appeal, it also raises questions about sustainability. Environmentalists caution that without regulated tourism, the fragile ecosystem could suffer. "We need eco-conscious tourism, guided hikes, proper waste disposal and limited human interference," said an environmental science student from Hazara University visiting the site. For now, Jab Valley remains a rare window into what tourism in Pakistan could be: rooted in nature, sustained by communities and appreciated with reverence.
Business Recorder
3 days ago
- Business Recorder
PM, Field Marshal perform Umrah
JEDDAH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir have performed Umrah along with members of the Pakistani delegation during their ongoing official visit to Saudi Arabia. During the Umrah pilgrimage, special prayers were offered for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, the unity of the Muslim Ummah, and for the oppressed people of Gaza. Upon arrival in Jeddah, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was warmly received by Prince Saud bin Abdullah Al Jiluwi, Governor of Jeddah; Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan; Ahmed Farooq, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; and other diplomatic officials. The Prime Minister's visit is scheduled for June 5 and 6, and he is spending Eid-ul-Azha in Saudi Arabia. A special meeting will be held between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the meeting, both leaders will discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including trade and investment, welfare of the Muslim Ummah, and regional peace and security. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also thank the Saudi leadership for their constructive role in easing the recent Pakistan-India tensions.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Eid commuters squeezed by soaring fares
Lawlessness at the bus stations has left commuters desperately looking for affordable transport. PHOTOS: MUHAMMAD JAVAID/WASEEM NAZIR/ZAFAR ASLAM/EXPRESS As the annual Eidul Azha migration kicked into high gear on the eve of the feast of sacrifice, desperate passengers across country found themselves caught in the jaws of skyrocketing fares and shrinking options. Many passengers were seen caught between an overloaded train and an overpriced bus. With the federal government having declared a four-day Eid holiday from June 6 to 9, droves of citizens have been pouring out of major cities in a bid to reunite with family in their hometowns. Earlier this week, the railways minister announced a 20% discount on Pakistan Railways fares during the Eid.
