There may be a drop in airfares in the coming weeks, according to travel brokers in the United Arab Emirates.
They claim this is because the early summer demand has died down, while some industries may see higher costs due to the impending Hijri holiday.
According to the online travel agent Skyscanner, the first two weeks of the school break are the most popular and most expensive times to travel. According to Skyscanner’s data, four families can save an average of Dh760 by travelling during the week of August 19 instead of the beginning of July.
T.P. Sudheesh, general manager of Deira Travel and Tourist Agency, stated in an interview with Khaleej Times that historically, prices begin to decline in the second week of July. That has always been the prediction, and historical data also supports it. Demands in the market determine ticket prices. Prices decrease after the initial summer surge. The peak period this year is from June 20 to July 15. Therefore, from August 20 to September 10, the price of tickets will increase once more when the seasonal Demand has subsided. That’s because Onam falls around August 29, and schools resume then. As a result, not only would there be a rise in the number of people travelling to the UAE from the subcontinent but also from Europe.
Sudheesh continues, anticipating the exception: “Countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, among a few other countries, may experience traffic and costs to these destinations may stay the same. People away from home may consider taking a three- or four-day vacation in one of these neighbouring nations. That’s because the Hijri New Year will occur around the third week of July. However, we are still determining if it will be a public holiday. People may prefer to travel to these nearby countries that allow visas on arrival if it is proclaimed a public holiday because they will have a somewhat extended break during that period and since they are close to the UAE.
Residents who booked last-minute trips noticed sky-high airfare hikes as the eagerly anticipated Eid Al Adha festivities drew near.
According to research by the online travel agency Skyscanner, 91% of UAE travellers plan to travel this summer. However, nearly half (48%) still need to make travel arrangements.
According to the business, only 4% of UAE travellers are actively looking for discounts for trips during the “cheapest week of summer.”
The manager of international travel services, Raja Mir Wasim, stated: “Demand and supply immediately affect the price. Due to the Eid holidays and the strong Demand, travel was prevalent last week. As a result, prices initially rose. But starting next week, there should be less price fluctuation and more possibilities.
“Up until (early this week), even first class and business class were wholly occupied. But as soon as the festive rush subsides for a while, pricing will return to normal.
Reena Philip, General Manager of AirTravel Enterprises, has a somewhat different perspective and claims there are no early indications that this will happen anytime soon.
“I think it will take some time before the airfares go down,” Philip added. I checked a few days ago at a location in India, but to be completely honest, it has stayed the same. Prices often decrease after the initial holiday rush, but this has yet to happen. Therefore, all we can do is wait and watch.
