Some UAE flight routes remain surprisingly affordable despite rising back-to-school travel demand.
Dubai: While airfares remain high due to rising operating expenses, airspace restrictions, longer flight routes, and fluctuating fuel costs, UAE travellers looking for a getaway can still find some affordable options.
While several popular routes have seen sharp increases in ticket prices, travellers can still find lower fares by remaining flexible with their destination choices or opting for flights with connections.
For trips between August 8 and 15, return Economy tickets on a number of regional and international routes are still available for under Dh2,000, providing last-minute holiday options despite the peak summer travel period.
Destinations where affordable fares are still available
Travellers planning a quick regional getaway can still find direct flights priced below Dh1,000.
Among the most affordable options currently available are:
- Abu Dhabi to Muscat: from Dh570
- Dubai to Muscat: from Dh793
A number of popular destinations are also still available for less than Dh1,600, including:
- Dubai to Istanbul: Dh1,085
- Dubai to Mumbai: Dh1,210
- Abu Dhabi to Delhi: Dh1,270
- Dubai to New Delhi: Dh1,358
- Dubai to Jaipur: Dh1,375
- Abu Dhabi to Bengaluru: Dh1,495
For travellers with a slightly higher budget, several direct flight options remain available for under Dh2,000, including:
- Dubai to Addis Ababa: Dh1,339
- Dubai to Cairo: Dh1,762
- Dubai to Tashkent: Dh1,817
- Dubai to Athens: Dh1,839
- Dubai to Tbilisi: Dh1,992
Willing to make one stop? Europe is still within reach
Travellers prepared to add a few extra hours to their journey can access even more affordable European destinations by choosing flights with a single connection.
Current return fares include:
- Dubai to Vienna via Jordan: Dh1,433
- Dubai to Rome via Jordan: Dh1,795
- Dubai to London via Turkey: Dh1,796
- Dubai to Munich via Turkey: Dh1,873
Travel industry experts say such connecting itineraries are often offering better value than many direct flights, as limited capacity on some routes continues to keep fares elevated.
Where airfares are becoming more affordable
Not all destinations are experiencing rising ticket prices.
Travel experts say leisure destinations such as Zanzibar have become more budget-friendly this summer, with return fares from Dubai and Sharjah averaging around Dh1,700 — approximately 16 per cent lower than the same period last year.
The Caucasus region also remains a value-for-money option, with airlines including flydubai offering competitive fares to destinations such as Baku, Kutaisi, and Yerevan, with return tickets available from below Dh1,000.
Meanwhile, some European journeys involving a connection continue to offer attractive prices, even as direct flights on several routes remain more expensive.
Several routes have seen significant fare increases as demand rises.
- Kochi to Dubai: Return fares have increased from Dh1,424 in mid-August to Dh2,943 by the end of the month.
- Kozhikode to Dubai: Prices have climbed from Dh1,174 to above Dh2,022.
- Bengaluru to Dubai: Fares have nearly doubled, reaching Dh1,694.
- Hyderabad to Dubai: Ticket prices have risen to Dh1,321.
Flights from Beirut to Dubai have also become more expensive, rising from around Dh831 to more than Dh1,423, driven by a combination of seasonal travel demand and reduced seat availability.
Meanwhile, direct flights between London and Dubai continue to carry premium prices as airlines operate with limited capacity while demand remains strong.
Other regional routes across the GCC, including services to Jeddah, Riyadh, and Cairo, are also seeing higher fares as flights move closer to full capacity.
Why are airfares moving in different directions?
Travel experts say improving diplomatic conditions between the US and Iran have eased some concerns around regional aviation, but these developments are no longer the main factor influencing ticket prices.
Instead, fares are now being driven largely by the annual back-to-school travel period, limited availability on high-demand routes, and shifting travel trends.
“Fare reductions are unlikely to happen in the near term,” said TP Sudheesh of Deira Tours and Travels. He noted that some passengers remain cautious about travelling through the region, while several international airlines are still adjusting their operations, further limiting available capacity.
At the same time, destinations experiencing weaker demand or stronger airline competition are seeing more affordable fares, creating opportunities for travellers who are flexible with their plans.
How travellers can save more
Travel experts recommend several strategies to help reduce flight costs:
- Travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, when fares are often lower compared with peak travel days.
- Compare flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah airports to find the best available deals.
- Check separate one-way tickets, as combining different airlines may sometimes be more affordable.
- Set up fare alerts on flight comparison platforms to track price drops.
- Travel with hand luggage only where possible to avoid additional baggage charges.
- Choose accommodation with free cancellation options, allowing you to rebook if better rates become available.
- Consider hotels outside central areas and use public transport to reduce overall holiday expenses.
