Travel demand surges to Japan, Europe, and CIS hotspots as the short Eid break fuels bookings.
Dubai: UAE residents planning an Eid Al Fitr getaway are encountering airfares that have nearly doubled compared to February, with travel agents noting that prices are also 15–20 per cent higher than during last Eid.
Return economy fares for travel between March 19 and 30 show steep increases across popular destinations.
From Dubai, return tickets to London are priced at Dh4,075, compared to off-season fares of Dh1,837 to the UK capital. Fares to Lisbon have reached Dh4,674, while tickets to Osaka cost Dh7,995. Return fares stand at Dh2,901 to Almaty, Dh4,005 to Bangkok, and Dh4,855 to Phuket.
From Abu Dhabi, return fares are priced at Dh2,730 to Amsterdam, Dh4,090 to London, Dh3,890 to Zurich, Dh3,310 to Berlin, and Dh3,505 to Saint Petersburg.
Travel agents say demand has been building since early January, with many residents securing tentative travel dates between March 19 and March 28 to make the most of the holiday break.
‘Very high’ demand for Japan, Europe
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, said Japan is witnessing exceptionally strong demand during the cherry blossom season towards the end of March.
“Japan is seeing huge demand because of the cherry blossom season at the end of March. However, visa appointment delays are still an issue,” he said.
He added that Japan is comparatively more expensive this Eid.
“There is strong demand. Compared with other destinations, Japan is slightly more expensive — about 20 per cent higher. Packages are ranging between Dh11,000 and Dh12,000 during the cherry blossom season.”
Babu said Europe is also witnessing strong interest, particularly in Switzerland, Paris and the Netherlands, although Schengen visa appointment delays remain a challenge.
“Standard packages to Switzerland, Paris and the Netherlands are seeing high demand. Schengen visa appointments for genuine tourists are getting pre-blocked. Prices are 15–20 per cent higher than last year’s Eid,” he added.
He noted that unique Far East destinations such as Japan and South Korea are especially popular with families and couples. In Thailand, Phuket and Krabi are recording strong bookings due to visa-on-arrival access. Other hassle-free destinations, including Georgia, Baku and Almaty, continue to attract travellers.
“Last-minute bookings will be costly. It is better to plan in advance. Many people have tentatively scheduled travel between March 20 and 27 or 28,” he added.
He added that demand for the US is lower this season, as it typically involves longer travel times and is less suitable for a short four- or five-day break.
‘Eid travel demand is robust’
Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, said bookings and enquiries have been strong ahead of Eid, particularly for departures between March 26 and 29.
“Eid travel trends are positive. Bookings are strong and enquiries continue to come in, especially for departures between March 26 and 29,” he added.
“Airfares, as usual, are very high.”
Ahmed said demand remains robust for CIS countries, with some travellers opting for guaranteed appointment packages for visa-required destinations.
He also highlighted a growing trend this season: cruise holidays.
“There is a new trend — the Aroya cruise, a halal cruise. We already have 18 confirmed bookings, and demand for cruises is high.”
He added that India remains a key market, with many business travellers taking a five-day leave to combine Eid with school holidays. Tour operators have blocked seats across multiple destinations as part of their Eid packages.
Short leave, long travel plans
TP Sudheesh, General Manager in Deira, said the short holiday period is shaping travellers’ choices.
“It’s a very short leave. Schools are closing on March 1, so many families prefer to travel to their home countries for longer holidays of around 20 days rather than short tourist breaks.”
He added that while some destinations are experiencing strong bookings, others are seeing moderate interest.
“Visa-free CIS countries are seeing moderate demand, but Armenia is a very high-demand destination.”
Far East destinations such as Vietnam, Bali, Thailand, and Malaysia continue to attract consistent demand.
Sudheesh also noted that fares from India to the UAE are particularly high between the third week of March and April 10, driven by school summer holidays in India.
Amid regional tensions, some travellers are mindful that potential airspace closures could cause delays or cancellations if the situation escalates. “There is no major apprehension about geopolitics, but it is on people’s minds,” he added.
For now, however, the biggest surprise for many UAE residents remains the cost of flying during the festive break, with airfares significantly higher than both February levels and last year’s Eid period.
