December is coming, and let’s face it, everyone loves a holiday break. Between Eid Al Etihad, Christmas, and New Year, the UAE turns into a travel hub. If you’re planning a trip, there’s one piece of advice you can’t ignore: book your flights now to avoid increased airfares from the UAE. Waiting is expensive, and I mean really expensive.
UAE Residents Urged To Book Flights Early As December Airfares Soar
Industry experts say airfares could jump by up to 50 per cent as we get closer to the festive season. To put it bluntly, a Dubai-to-London ticket that’s AED2,800 today could hit AED3,800 or even AED4,200 by late November. Ouch, right?
Early Booking Can Save You Big
There’s a high chance of the airfares to rise between 30 and 40 per cent compared to waiting until late November, as per Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com. It’s the right time to book as the airfares would soar as December approaches. Right now, fares on major international routes are reasonable. But peak dates, December 20 to 28, are another story. Airlines know demand will spike. Seats get snapped up fast. Prices follow. It’s a pattern we see every year. And truth be told, you don’t want to be the last-minute struggler paying triple for a ticket.
How To Score A 9-Day Holiday
Here’s a neat trick: UAE residents get two midweek days off for Eid Al Etihad on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3. Add annual leave on Monday, December 1, Thursday, December 4, and Friday, December 5, and voila, a 9-day break. With weekends included, that’s basically a mini-vacation to anywhere you fancy. Come on, we all know you deserve it.
Why December Airfares Spike In UAE
December isn’t just festive, it’s busy. It’s major season for family reunions and holiday trips. Airlines like Emirates and Etihad Airways, and even Dubai International Airport, regularly flag this surge. Seats are limited, hence the prices climb.
Musafir.com’s Babu recommends booking 6 to 8 weeks ahead for international trips. It guarantees better prices, more options, and less stress. Because let’s be real: scrambling at the last minute usually means paying through the nose.
Experts Say: Don’t Wait
Sameer Bagul, Chief Business Officer at Cleartrip Arabia, agrees. “We always tell our customers: book early. We even run promotions to help people save. Book now, and you can cut costs by 25 to 30 per cent.” To be fair, waiting can feel tempting; maybe you hope for last-minute deals. But in practice? Those deals are rare. Most often, you’re left overpaying or settling for awkward flight times.
Also Read: Travelling To The UAE After August 15? Expect Higher Airfares!
Bottom Line
If December is on your radar, the message is clear: book your flights today. Lock in your seats, save a few thousand dirhams, and enjoy the holiday stress-free. After all, the only thing worse than holiday crowds is paying extra for them.
Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Elena Photo
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