Tourism

Airfares from the UAE are expected to increase by up to 30 per cent during major travel periods in 2026, driven by rising jet fuel costs, ongoing flight capacity constraints, and heightened demand linked to Eid Al Adha, Hajj, and the summer holiday season.

Industry experts say travellers heading to popular destinations across South Asia, Europe, and the wider Middle East are already experiencing significantly higher ticket prices compared to the same period last year.

According to travel industry executives, airfare increases have been particularly noticeable during the Eid Al Adha holiday period, with some routes recording fare hikes of between 20 and 45 per cent year-on-year.

Mir Wasim Raja, Manager at International Travel Services (ITS), said airfare increases have been observed across multiple regions, including India, Pakistan, and Europe, largely due to flight disruptions and reduced operational capacity.

He noted that many travellers continue to face substantial fare increases when booking close to departure dates, emphasizing the importance of securing tickets well in advance.

Masna Haseen, Head of Growth Marketing and Partner Relations at Cleartrip, said popular outbound routes from the UAE are currently trending 20 to 30 per cent higher than last year for the Eid Al Adha and early summer travel period.

She explained that regional and Arab destinations are experiencing even stronger fare pressure, with some routes witnessing increases of up to 45 per cent due to a combination of holiday demand, Hajj-related travel, limited seat availability, and last-minute bookings.

According to Haseen, direct flights, weekend departures, and return journeys immediately after Eid remain among the most expensive options.

Meanwhile, Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, CEO of Pinoy Tourism, said fares on many regional and international routes are approximately 10 to 20 per cent higher than during Eid Al Adha last year, although price increases vary depending on destination, airline, and booking window.

Fuel Costs and Capacity Constraints Driving Prices

Industry observers point to rising jet fuel prices as one of the primary reasons behind the increase in airfare costs. Fuel prices have reportedly more than doubled since late February, significantly increasing operating expenses for airlines.

At the same time, airlines across the Gulf continue to manage network adjustments and capacity limitations following regional geopolitical disruptions. While carriers are steadily expanding operations, seat availability on several high-demand routes remains constrained.

Elevated Fares Likely Through Summer and Year-End Holidays

Travel experts expect airfare prices to remain elevated throughout the summer travel season, particularly on routes serving Europe, South Asia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.

Haseen noted that fare increases exceeding 30 per cent are realistic on peak travel dates where Eid holidays, Hajj travel, school vacations, and fuel costs converge.

She added that while prices may ease slightly after Eid on routes where additional capacity becomes available, demand is expected to remain strong during school holidays, long weekends, UAE National Day, and the Christmas-New Year travel period.

Despite the current increases, industry executives do not view elevated airfares as a permanent trend. Airlines are expected to continue adding capacity and launching new services to meet growing demand, which could help moderate prices over time.

For travellers, the consensus remains clear: early booking and flexible travel dates offer the best opportunity to secure lower fares during the busy travel periods ahead.

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