Airlines launch low fares to Europe

UAE residents planning winter vacations could save a bundle by booking getaways now.

Local and international carriers alike have rolled out special fares for flights booked over the next few days, but valid for travel until the end of winter. The move benefits anyone looking to get away over the festive season -- Eid Al Adha, Diwali or Christmas.

Swiss International Air Lines on Sunday launched special winter fares starting from Dh1,995 inclusive of taxes in Economy Class onboard its Airbus A330-300 on services between Dubai and Zurich to Europe and North America. The special fares are available for booking and sale until October 28 and valid for travel till March 30.

The airline also announced it would boost capacity on select routes over its winter schedule, including more daily flights to Stockholm, Valencia and Belgrade. Its Geneva-based network will also be expanded with the addition of a new Madrid route and a third daily Barcelona flight.

Lufthansa also launched special fares from the UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Doha to Europe and North America, allowing customers to book early for low deals over the upcoming festive season.

A round-trip flight from UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi) to Europe is starting from Dh1955 and to North America from Dh3865, from Kuwait to Europe starting from KWD134 and to North America from KWD333, from Muscat to Europe starting from OMR184 and to North America from OMR418 and from Doha to Europe starting from QAR 1970 and to North America from QAR3810.

However, the airline has blacked out special deals on its North America service from December 1 to January 11.

Dutch carrier KLM also had special deals posted on its website. On Sunday, a round trip from Dubai to Barcelona between December 22 and January 7 was Dh2,155, inclusive of taxes, surcharges and booking fees. The airline required bookings be made before October 12 for travel until March 31.

Emirates airline, meanwhile, is currently offering 25 per cent off the price of a second ticket when two adults travel together as part of a Companion Fare deal. Anyone booking an Economy or Business Class ticket to one of 43 destinations before October 15 can avail the offer for travel until November 30.

The new deals are an attempt to get travellers flying after the peak summer period.

Peter Pollak, General Manager UAE & Director Gulf, Lufthansa German Airlines said the new fares were an attempt to cater to markets that are of key strategic importance to the airline.

Martin Massueger Director, Head of Sales Middle East, Africa, Pakistan and Iran for Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS), said:  “At Swiss, we are always looking for ways for our customers to enjoy our products and services – from buying affordable tickets to being on board our flights.  Through the new fares, we offer both our loyal and new passengers real value for money flying on an airline with high values of quality, hospitality and service excellence.”

But Emirates airline said bookings were doing well.

“Bookings from the UAE have been strong and we expect this trend to continue. Some of our most popular destinations from Dubai are included in this companion fare such as Los Angeles and Paris. Additionally we have included some of our newest routes, Madrid, Prague, Amsterdam and Dakar, helping to highlight our expansive and ever growing route network,” said Khalid Bel Jaflah, Emirates Vice President Commercial UAE.
 

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