Eid Al Adha Travel: A Strategy Guide

Eid Al Adha: Airfare Soars – Is It Worth Delaying Travel?

With the approach of Eid Al Adha, many residents of the United Arab Emirates are planning trips to various destinations within the region. This has caused flight prices to rise steeply: during the peak of the holiday period, ticket prices for certain Arab destinations may increase by as much as 60%. The demand so greatly exceeds the supply that several airlines have expanded their flights and introduced new routes, yet significant price hikes are evident.

High Prices, High Demand

Arab destinations like Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, or Saudi Arabia remain particularly popular among travelers departing from Dubai. Egypt's appeal is unbroken, while Syria sees a higher traffic due to family members returning home. Flights to Saudi Arabia are packed because of the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, and Lebanon remains a stable favorite among locals living in the region.

During the holiday period, it’s common for tickets previously priced at 500 dirhams to now exceed 1,000 dirhams. Those who did not book in time face significantly higher last-minute ticket prices, especially in the non-refundable categories chosen by 90% of travelers. Since most people align their travel plans with the official public holidays set by the public sector, the inflexibility of travel dates further elevates prices.

Traveling Differently Than Before

Although demand remains strong, bookings are slightly lower than during the previous Eid. This is because the holiday period overlaps with school exams. Many families decide to postpone their travels for later and choose longer, more affordably priced vacations. A three-day holiday trip can currently cost up to 4,000 dirhams per person, while a full summer vacation a few weeks later is only about 7,000 dirhams – leading many to choose the latter option.

What to Expect After Eid?

Experts unanimously claim that the period after Eid Al Adha is ideal for long-term travel. Prices are expected to drop, especially for destinations like Europe, Russia, Northern Turkey, Japan, or South Korea. During Eid, shorter, nearby destinations – such as Azerbaijan, Georgia, or Istanbul – are the most popular, but overseas options come back into focus with summer vacations.

What Should You Watch Out For?

Early Booking: Tickets booked 40-45 days in advance can be half the price.

Flexibility: Compared to non-refundable tickets, flexible options may be more cost-effective in the long run.

Alternative Dates: Not sticking to the Eid days can lead to significant savings.

Summary

During Eid Al Adha, the travel fervor peaks, accompanied by soaring prices. However, those willing to wait a few weeks and schedule their trip during the summer vacation can not only enjoy better prices but also longer relaxation opportunities. Trends show that travelers from Dubai are increasingly planning consciously – aiming for cost-efficiency and maximizing experiences.

(Source of the article: travel agency statements.)