UAE Families Opt for Short Getaways During October Break, with Select Flight Fares Remaining Below Dh2,000.
Dubai: UAE families planning overseas holidays during the October school break are showing a growing preference for short-haul destinations, including Georgia, Azerbaijan and the Maldives. According to travel agents, last-minute economy airfares currently range from approximately Dh1,400 to over Dh4,500.
The October 2026 half-term holiday in the UAE is scheduled from Monday, October 12, to Friday, October 16, with students expected to resume classes on Monday, October 19.
Although flight ticket prices have increased compared with the previous month, several low-cost airlines continue to offer fares below Dh2,000 on popular travel routes, providing affordable options for families planning last-minute getaways.
Meanwhile, a significant number of UAE residents are choosing to spend their short holiday within the country, taking advantage of attractive staycation packages and special offers introduced by local hotels and resorts.
According to an announcement by dnata Travel on Thursday, domestic staycation bookings for the October half-term have increased by 31% compared with the same period last year. The rise reflects a growing preference among families for convenient, shorter holidays closer to home.
According to Sawlani, destinations such as Georgia, Baku in Azerbaijan, and the Maldives are attracting considerable interest from UAE travellers planning holidays during the October school break.
Looking ahead to the winter travel season, he expects destinations including Seychelles, the Maldives and Almaty to become popular choices among holidaymakers.
The growing preference for short-haul destinations is largely driven by convenience, allowing families to enjoy brief vacations without spending excessive time travelling.
Sawlani also highlighted the influence of airline seat availability on ticket prices. He explained that additional airlines are expected to resume or expand services from Europe, the United States and other international markets beginning in November.
He suggested that increased flight capacity could help reduce airfares, as limited seat availability remains one of the factors contributing to elevated ticket prices.
Furthermore, the expansion of services by Indian airlines could introduce more affordable travel options on selected routes, providing passengers with greater flexibility and competitive fares.
Northern Lights Attract UAE Travellers
Interest among UAE holidaymakers extends beyond nearby destinations, with long-haul travel also gaining momentum.
Sapna Aidasani, Marketing Director and Head of Marketing at Pluto Travels, reported growing booking activity, particularly for Finland, which is attracting UAE residents eager to experience the spectacular Northern Lights.
Aidasani noted that several European airlines have yet to fully resume operations in the market, although Emirates has begun offering services to Finland.
Travel demand for Far Eastern destinations also remains strong, supported by group bookings, corporate travel and company retreats. Beach holiday destinations continue to attract significant interest among UAE residents.
Despite the limited return of some international airlines on certain routes, Aidasani said her agency is recording stronger business performance compared with the previous year.
Winter Travel Demand Drives Airfares Higher
TP Sudheesh, General Manager of Deira Travels, said travellers who delayed their summer vacations are now planning trips during the winter months, contributing to increased demand and higher airfares.
He explained that many holidaymakers who postponed their summer travel plans are preparing to take their trips during the upcoming winter season, creating additional pressure on flight availability across several destinations.
According to Sudheesh, UAE-based airlines are benefiting from this surge in demand, particularly as the UAE National Day holiday approaches.
Advance bookings remain encouraging, with major events such as GITEX and other attractions expected to draw more international visitors to the UAE.
Travel routes connecting the UAE with the Indian subcontinent and Far Eastern countries are experiencing particularly strong demand, keeping ticket prices elevated through December.
However, Sudheesh expects unusually high airfares to gradually stabilise as airlines gain a clearer understanding of passenger demand and adjust their pricing strategies accordingly.
He also pointed out that rising airline operating expenses, particularly fuel costs, could limit the extent of future fare reductions.
Regional Tourism Set for Strong Recovery
The increase in travel bookings comes amid an encouraging long-term outlook for the Middle East’s tourism industry, despite disruptions experienced throughout 2026.
According to the ATM Travel Trends Report 2026, international visitor spending in the Middle East is projected to rise by $116 billion, representing a 57% increase between 2025 and 2030.
The report also predicts that international travel across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region will expand by 17% in 2027, more than double the anticipated global growth rate of 8%.
Although regional travel disruptions are expected to affect tourism performance in 2026, the report anticipates a significant recovery in 2027.
Dave Goodger, Managing Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Tourism Economics, observed that travellers continue to prioritise holidays and experiences despite ongoing economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainty.
He explained that consumers are increasingly choosing to spend on travel experiences rather than material possessions, reflecting changing spending preferences.
Goodger also highlighted favourable demographic trends, increasing personal wealth and continued investment in tourism infrastructure and travel capacity as key factors supporting the region’s long-term expansion.
Looking ahead, the report forecasts that international travel across the MENASA region will reach approximately 316 million arrivals and 2.3 billion visitor nights by 2030, generating an estimated $408 billion in tourism spending.
For UAE families planning holidays this month, the decision ultimately comes down to choosing between higher-priced long-haul trips and more affordable short-haul destinations, where comparatively lower airfares continue to offer budget-friendly travel opportunities.
