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Khaleej Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Some UAE flights full, ticket prices rise sharply as summer break nears end
Most flights returning to the UAE are already full, and the few seats still available are filling up fast as the summer holidays draw to a close and schools prepare to reopen. Travel agents said that the ticket prices on many routes have gone up sharply, with some destinations seeing fares nearly double compared to earlier in August. 'High demand season' Mir Raja Wasim, manager at Galadari International Travel Services , said that the demand is high across key routes to the UAE. 'We have seen that sectors like India, Pakistan, Egypt and other countries, where the UAE has a significant population, are very expensive and high in demand,' said Wasim. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Flight load is very high and flights are returning to full capacity from these countries with people who had gone on leave. The demand is slightly higher this year as the population has increased,' added Wasim. According to travel agents, the average ticket price from India is over Dh2,000, and from Pakistan Dh1,500. 'Close to 100 percent of last-minute bookings are getting filled and we have not received any updates on extra flights being put to service,' added Wasim. Travel agents have also said that the price increase is clear when booking for families. 'If a family is travelling back, prices are around Dh5,000 to Dh6,000 difference. One ticket will have at least Dh1,000 extra when compared with the regular airfares. So by that we can calculate the amount a family of four has to shell out,' said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism. According to Subair, almost every flight from India and other countries has seen a sharp increase in prices. 'If you see the airfare of Air India Express, you will notice that it's the cheapest compared to other airlines. However, those flights are also flying nearly full capacity,' said Subair. Travel agents also mentioned that the airfare higher compared to last year. 'Every year, we see the airfare spike during the school reopening season, but this year we have noticed that it is higher compared to the previous years. This year, most of them travelled in the middle of June or at the end. So now many are trying to return at the same time,' said Subair. According to a Khaleej Times analysis, return fares from several countries have risen significantly in the second half of August. Skyscanner data shows that the cheapest direct flight to Dubai on Emirates is currently about Dh1,300, compared to around Dh2,468 for a direct flight from Mumbai in the third week of August. Layover flights from many sectors in India that cost about Dh1,000 are now priced at over Dh1,500 in the later days of the month. The lowest fare in August is of August 26 at Dh784. From Pakistan, the cheapest flight from Karachi is Dh750 with one stopover, while Peshawar is at Dh1,044 currently. However, in the third week of the month, an increase of at least Dh400 to Dh600 can be seen. In Lebanon, a Beirut–Dubai ticket that cost Dh1,751 on 15 August has risen to Dh2,144 on FlyDubai and Dh2,803 on Emirates later this month. From Egypt's Sohag, a ticket that is Dh931 on August 15 now costs at least Dh1,387 between 21–25 August. The rise is less steep from the UK - London to Dubai fares have gone from Dh1,321 to Dh1,456. Advice for travellers Agents say that those who haven't booked their flights yet should either return now or wait until after the first week of September, when fares may drop. 'For those without urgent travel needs, waiting could save money, but there is little chance of finding low fares in the coming days as flights are already nearly full,' said Wasim.
Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
No passports, flights: Why Disneyland Abu Dhabi will boost tourism, save residents money
Thinking about a vacation to Disneyland? Soon, you won't have to travel anywhere — no passports or long flights — as a Disney theme park and resort will be coming to Abu Dhabi. With the world of Disney just a drive away, many UAE residents are expected to opt for a staycation over trips to France, Hong Kong, or the US. The news is already generating excitement among travel enthusiasts and residents across the UAE. 'Disneyland is one of the most preferred destinations not just for UAE residents but for people across the GCC,' said Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel Services (ITS) LLC. 'Right now, many clients ask about Disneyland in France first, followed by Hong Kong and the US. But once we have one here in Abu Dhabi, it'll be a game-changer. Families will choose to spend a few days at the park, turning it into the perfect staycation,' added Raja. According to travel industry executives, the upcoming theme park is expected to attract not just UAE residents but also visitors from nearby countries and regions such as the Indian subcontinent, Africa, Russia, and the Caucasus. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, explained how popular Disneyland is among all nationalities in the UAE. 'Everyone loves it — kids, adults, and tourists. Families want their children to meet their favourite Disney characters in real life. The excitement is huge,' he said. However, the UAE's hot summer weather might be a challenge. 'Many Disney attractions, like parades, are outdoors. So it might be too hot in the summer. But during the winter, we expect ticket demand to go through the roof, just like how it happens with the Museum of the Future,' added Subair. He also pointed out that getting a visa to France, where the nearest Disneyland is currently located for many UAE residents, can be difficult. In contrast, the UAE has a simpler tourist visa process and is geographically easier to reach for many. "There's already a lot of talk in the travel industry about Disneyland Abu Dhabi. We expect it to be a massive hit, especially once the unified GCC tourist visa comes into effect. It will be a must-visit for anyone coming to this region," said Subair.
Hi Dubai
07-03-2025
- Hi Dubai
Schengen Visa Appointment Slots for Summer Travel Expected to Open Soon: UAE Residents Urged to Apply Early
With summer just around the corner, UAE residents are eager to escape the intense heat and explore the scenic beauty of Europe. Known for its pleasant weather, extended daylight hours, and rich cultural experiences, Europe is a popular destination for summer holidays. However, high demand for Schengen visas during this peak season has created challenges for travelers, especially when it comes to securing appointment slots. According to travel agents, appointment availability for Schengen visas is already limited for several European countries. Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism, stated that some countries, such as the Czech Republic, Austria, and Sweden, still have appointments available for April. However, major destinations like France and Spain have no open slots at present. "Appointment slots will be released in batches and are expected to open by May or June, enabling travelers to plan their trips for July and August," Subair said. Schengen visa processing times typically range from one to three weeks, making it essential for travelers to book their appointments well in advance. Once appointments are confirmed, applicants must visit visa centers, such as VFS Global, to submit their required documents. For certain countries like Poland, additional procedures may apply, such as submitting documents directly to the embassy, including a company NoC, bank statements, and insurance details. Biometrics will also be taken, and passports will be submitted for processing. Mir Wasim Raja, Manager at Galadari International Travel Services, stressed the importance of early applications, particularly for countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands, where demand is particularly high. "Slots are limited in April and May, and with the peak travel period approaching, booking now is the best way to ensure you get your visa in time for your summer vacation," he advised. In addition to applying early, travel agents emphasize the importance of ensuring that travel documents are valid. Subair added, "UAE residents must ensure their UAE visa is valid for at least three months and their passport for at least six months when returning from a Schengen country." As summer approaches, travelers are advised to act quickly and secure their Schengen visa appointments to ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday season. News Source: Khaleej Times
Khaleej Times
07-03-2025
- Khaleej Times
Planning Europe trip this summer? Apply for your Schengen visa now
Traveling to Europe during the summer holidays has become a common affair for UAE residents, with many seeking to escape the heat and enjoy the pleasant weather, extended daylight hours, and vibrant cultures of European countries. However, with the high demand for Schengen visas during this peak travel season, the limited availability of appointment slots has made it difficult for many to plan their vacations. Travel agents are urging residents not to delay in applying for their visas, as securing an appointment early is essential to avoid any travel disruptions and ensure they can enjoy their summer getaway in Europe. According to Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager at Wisefox Tourism, appointment slots for Schengen visas are already limited for countries. 'Currently, a few countries, like the Czech Republic, Austria, and Sweden, have available appointments for April. However, countries such as France and Spain have no open slots at the moment,' he said. 'These will be available in batches, and we expect appointments for these countries to open by May or June, allowing travellers to plan their trips for July and August.' The processing time for a Schengen visa is typically between one and three weeks, and it's important for travellers to book their appointments well in advance. Once appointments are confirmed, travellers must visit visa centres, like VFS, to submit their documents. For countries like Poland, travellers need to submit their documents directly at the embassy, including essential paperwork such as a company NoC, bank statements, and insurance details. 'Biometrics will also be taken, and the passport will be submitted for processing at the embassy,' said Subair. Mir Wasim Raja, manager at Galadari International Travel Services, advised travellers to apply early and keep their eye on slots. 'Slots are limited in April and May, and the demand for Schengen visas is very high, especially for countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands,' said Raja. 'People usually travel for about one to two weeks during the summer, and booking now is the best way to ensure they get their visas in time,' added Raja. In addition to applying early, travel agents also advise residents to ensure their travel documents are valid. 'Apart from having other travel documents, they must ensure that UAE visa must be valid for at least three months and a passport for at least six months when they are returning to the UAE from a Schengen country,' Subair said.
