London, New York, Manila costlier routes
The impact of higher airfares is visible across some of the most popular summer travel routes from the UAE, with return tickets during the peak July holiday period reaching several thousand dirhams.
For travel between July 3 and July 17, return economy fares from Dubai and Abu Dhabi showed significant differences depending on the destination and route. A return flight from Dubai to London was available from around Dh4,340, while Abu Dhabi-London tickets were priced at about Dh4,910.
European destinations also remained expensive, with Dubai-Paris fares at around Dh4,470, Dubai-Lisbon at Dh4,385 and Dubai-Athens at Dh3,640.
Long-haul travel came at a higher cost, with return fares from Dubai to New York starting at around Dh6,010, while Abu Dhabi-New York tickets were about Dh6,270. Flights from Abu Dhabi to Chicago were among the most expensive options listed, at around Dh7,100.
Travel to some Asian destinations was comparatively cheaper, although prices remained higher than many travellers would expect during non-peak periods. Return fares from Dubai to Bangkok were around Dh2,932, while Dubai-Hong Kong tickets were about Dh4,240.
Flights to popular home destinations for UAE residents also showed varying prices. Return tickets from Dubai to Mumbai were around Dh1,670, Abu Dhabi to Mumbai about Dh1,630, and Dubai to Kochi around Dh2,189.
Other routes included Dubai-Colombo at around Dh2,030, Dubai-Manila at Dh5,000, Dubai-Cairo at Dh2,903 and Abu Dhabi-Istanbul at Dh1,388.
Travel agents said some passengers are looking at connecting flights to reduce costs, but many are unwilling to trade lower fares for longer journeys.
Regional, shorter holidays
Travel agents said expensive tickets are influencing destination choices, with some travellers moving away from longer international trips. “High airfares have put people off,” Hassan said, adding that fuel surcharges have contributed to higher ticket prices.
He said fares are now significantly higher compared with last year, with increases of around 30 per cent in some cases. While international travel continues, regional destinations have benefited, with many UAE residents choosing destinations closer to home.
“People are travelling to Salalah quite a bit,” Hassan said, adding that many travellers are also driving to Oman.
Where are UAE travellers going?
Data from travel platform Wego showed summer travel searches from the UAE increased sharply in May as travellers looked to secure trips before peak-season prices rise. The trend suggests holidaymakers are spending more time comparing destinations, flight options and hotel prices before making decisions.
Regional destinations such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman recorded strong growth in searches, while longer-haul interest also increased for destinations including China and Poland.
Europe remains a popular summer choice, but visa availability is affecting travellers who are making late plans. Sapna Aidasani, head of marketing at Pluto Travels, said demand for European destinations continues, although Schengen visa availability remains a challenge. “Getting Schengen visas continues to remain a challenge. But appointment slots keep opening up there and there when people cancel, for example,” she said.
As some residents look beyond traditional summer destinations, quieter and less crowded locations are seeing increased interest. Aidasani said demand has grown for destinations including Bhutan, Malaysia, Mauritius and North Bali. “People are looking for quieter places,” she said, adding Mauritius is also gaining popularity, particularly among travellers celebrating occasions such as birthdays.
The shift reflects a broader change in travel preferences, with some holidaymakers looking for more relaxed experiences rather than only popular destinations.
Affordable holidays are the first choice
Despite higher costs, travel agents said people are not cancelling holidays completely, but many are adjusting their budgets. Aidasani said travellers are becoming more careful with spending.
She added that luxury hotels continue to attract customers who can afford premium stays, while other travellers are choosing shorter trips and more affordable accommodation. “Upper middle-class travellers and those who can afford it are continuing with their staycations and holidays. Still, travellers are looking to cut corners where they can,” she said.
World Cup drives luxury travel demand
While most travellers are looking for value, the luxury travel segment is seeing a different trend as major sporting events drive international demand. Private aviation marketplace XO reported a 145 per cent increase in digital enquiries from GCC travellers for multi-city trips across the US, Canada and Mexico during the football tournament period.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar are among the markets showing strong demand. The company said travellers are combining match attendance with longer holidays, business trips and family travel. Average planned trip durations have also increased by 13 per cent, indicating that some travellers are extending their stays beyond individual matches.
Dhanusha is a Chief Reporter at Gulf News in Dubai, with her finger firmly on the pulse of UAE, regional, and global aviation. She dives deep into how airlines and airports operate, expand, and embrace the latest tech.
Known for her sharp eye for detail, Dhanusha makes complex topics like new aircraft, evolving travel trends, and aviation regulations easy to grasp. Lately, she’s especially fascinated by the world of eVTOLs and flying cars.
With nearly two decades in journalism, Dhanusha’s covered a wide range, from health and education to the pandemic, local transport, and technology. When she’s not tracking what’s happening in the skies, she enjoys exploring social media trends, tech innovations, and anything that sparks reader curiosity. Outside of work, you’ll find her immersed in electronic dance music, pop culture, movies, and video games.