UAE Airfare Surge Stuns End-of-Summer Travelers

Rising Airfare and Fully Booked Flights to UAE: What It Means for Travelers by Summer’s End

As the summer vacation draws to a close and schools prepare to reopen, travelers returning to the United Arab Emirates face significant challenges. One of the biggest issues is the skyrocketing airfare and the fact that most flights are already fully booked. According to travel agencies, this year exhibits an exceptionally high demand, connected not only to post-pandemic travel increases but also to the continuously growing population in the region.

Why have prices surged?

Experts call this time of year a “high-demand season,” especially for countries from which a significant number of residents return to the UAE. These countries include India, Pakistan, Egypt, and Lebanon. Many people return from their holidays, leading to an extreme level of flight occupancy.

Statistics show that for passengers returning from India, the average ticket price exceeds 2,000 dirhams, while for those from Pakistan, it hovers around 1,500 dirhams. These prices significantly surpass the levels at the start of the month. Travel agencies report that compared to the usual prices, a ticket can cost up to 1,000 dirhams more, which can be particularly painful for a family of four, as costs may exceed the average by 5,000–6,000 dirhams.

Some specific examples of ticket price increases

India–Dubai: In mid-August, the ticket price for a direct Emirates flight was around 1,300 dirhams. By the third week of August, it reached 2,468 dirhams.

Karachi (Pakistan): The lowest price in August was 750 dirhams, but by the second half of the month, it increased to 1,150 dirhams.

Beirut (Lebanon): On August 15, a ticket to Dubai was 1,751 dirhams, increasing to 2,803 dirhams by the end of August with an Emirates flight.

Sohag (Egypt): The price jumped from 931 dirhams to 1,387 dirhams between August 21–25.

London (United Kingdom): Although less drastic, the price here also rose from 1,321 dirhams to 1,456 dirhams.

Population growth also drives the prices

The number of residents in the United Arab Emirates grows year by year, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The influx of new workers and longer summer vacations have increased the number of travelers during August. Most people departed in mid to late June and are now trying to return simultaneously – this mass return simply overwhelms available flights.

Family travel is especially costly

For those returning with family, the price difference feels even more painful. A family of four, for example, could face an additional cost of 4,000 dirhams due to last-minute booking. Even the cheapest flights, like those of Air India Express, are operating at near full capacity, meaning anyone who hasn't booked in time will find tickets available only at a significant surcharge.

Advice for travelers

According to travel agencies, those who have not yet booked tickets have two options:

1. Immediate return: If there is any free space on a flight, return immediately before prices rise further or seats sell out.

2. Delayed return: If possible, wait until the first week of September when the school season has initiated and ticket prices are expected to decrease.

Experience shows that from the second week of September onwards, cheaper options reappear, especially for those who can travel flexibly and don't need to return urgently.

Why aren’t there more extra flights?

Many rightly ask why airlines do not add more flights during this period. According to travel agencies, there is no information about any major airlines adding extra capacity. This is partly because most aircraft maintenance is pre-scheduled and because airport slot times are also limited.

Summary

The end of the summer break is always a busy period for returnees to the UAE, but in 2025, the higher demand, inflationary impacts, and growing population collectively led to much sharper price hikes than before. Those who have yet to book a ticket should promptly decide – or patiently wait until September. Last-minute decisions now come with substantial financial repercussions.

(Source: Based on reports from travel agencies.)