Good News For UAE Residents

UAE Residents Anticipate Significant Drop in Airfares for 2024 Overseas Trips

Dubai, UAE - As 2024 approaches, residents in the UAE are advised to delay their first overseas travel bookings until mid-January, when airfares are expected to see substantial declines. High-demand routes to the UK, major European cities, and the Philippines are among those witnessing drops of up to 50-60%, with even longer haul routes to the US displaying reduced rates.

Industry sources suggest that these favorable rate dips will be most prominent on long-haul routes from the UAE by the second and third weeks of January, following the peak winter travel demand. Malou Prado, CEO of MPQ Travel and Tourism, emphasizes that this presents an ideal window for travelers to capitalize on lower airfares.

The exceptional demand for flights into Dubai, particularly from large tour groups, has contributed to the current high airfares, making last-minute bookings challenging for UAE-based travelers. However, the anticipated drop in rates from mid-January to March 10 is expected to bring relief to budget-conscious travelers.

Notable fare reductions include Economy Class fares from London Heathrow to Dubai, dropping from Dh5,135 to Dh2,410 (one-way), and return Economy Class rates from New York to Dubai decreasing to Dh3,519 from the December peak of Dh6,487. Routes from San Francisco and Boston to Dubai will also experience substantial drops.

While fares on the Philippines-UAE routes are expected to remain high into February due to visiting friends and relatives (VFR) traffic, rates for these and other routes are predicted to stabilize until March 10. Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, highlights the lower travel demand during this period, offering respite from high airfares.

For UAE residents seeking a more budget-friendly visit, the recommended time for lower-cost travel is between mid-January and late February. The period aligns with the reopening of schools and decreased business activity, contributing to stable demand and prices.

Overall, travel remains a top priority for UAE residents in the coming year, with strong growth projected in the first quarter. Carlo Olejniczak, Vice-President and Managing Director for Booking.com in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, notes that despite cancellable bookings, consumers are expected to prioritize travel over other discretionary spending in 2024.