Travel demand from the UAE is rising rapidly as residents prepare for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday, pushing airfares on several regional routes significantly higher. According to travel industry executives, ticket prices to popular Arab destinations have increased by as much as 45 percent compared with recent months.
The seasonal surge is largely driven by a combination of strong holiday travel demand, limited flight availability and a growing number of last‑minute bookings. With many residents planning trips to visit family or enjoy short holidays during the extended Eid break, airlines are seeing flights fill up faster than usual.
Saudi Arabia Leads the Travel Demand
Saudi Arabia is currently the most requested destination among travellers departing from the UAE. Cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah and Madinah are seeing particularly strong demand as Eid travel coincides with the Hajj season.
Travel agencies say seat occupancy on several routes has already climbed to around 70 to 75 percent, much higher than in previous weeks. The overlap between religious travel and holiday tourism is creating additional pressure on airline capacity.
Other destinations also attracting strong interest include Cairo in Egypt and Amman in Jordan, both of which remain popular choices for UAE residents during holiday periods.
Limited Flights Push Ticket Prices Higher
Travel industry experts say the increase in fares is also linked to airline capacity. While travel demand has recovered strongly across the region, some airlines are still operating fewer flights than before, which has reduced the number of available seats.
As a result, average ticket prices on certain routes have climbed to nearly Dh3,500, especially for bookings made close to the travel date.
Several factors are contributing to the higher fares, including:
- Strong holiday demand ahead of Eid Al Adha
- Limited seat availability on popular routes
- Increased last‑minute bookings
- Higher operational and fuel costs for airlines
Growing Interest in Alternative Destinations
While travel to major Arab cities remains the strongest trend, some travellers are also exploring other destinations. Balkan countries such as Serbia, Bosnia and Albania are becoming increasingly popular among UAE residents thanks to their affordability, scenic landscapes and expanding halal‑friendly tourism options.
Travel experts believe the extended Eid break this year is encouraging more people to plan short vacations abroad, further accelerating demand for flights.
Prices Expected to Stay High Until Eid
With demand continuing to outpace available seats, travel agencies expect ticket prices on key regional routes to remain elevated until the Eid Al Adha holiday period begins.
For travellers planning to fly during the holiday week, booking early may be the best way to secure better prices and avoid limited seat availability.