Travel and tourism operators are expecting a 15 to 20 per cent hike in air fares this summer as demand from UAE holidaymakers rises. As the summer approaches, there is already a significant rush for East Asian countries, Europe and Australia, which together are expected to attract 70 per cent of the UAE holidaymakers.

The choice of the places is attributed to their favourable weather conditions and natural beauty, said Arabic newspaper Al Khaleej, citing tourism industry sources. Early bookings indicate that, despite rising temperatures, significant tourism traffic is heading towards Dubai, confirming the emirate’s status as the preferred tourism destination of the region.

“Dubai is successfully attracting large segments of the Western as well as GCC visitors because of the diversity of activities and locations it offers. Volatile political conditions have helped divert traffic to Dubai,” the source told Al Khaleej.

Apparently, most airlines have taken the necessary measures to meet the great demand by increasing the number of flights to destinations most in demand in addition to the replacement of small aircrafts with the larger ones.

Referring to the ability of Dubai to attract tourists from all over the world, Saeed Al Abedi, head of Al Abedi Holding, told the paper that the passenger load factor of aircraft coming to Dubai is now up to 90 per cent.

“Bookings of departing aircraft is up to 75 per cent, which rises gradually to touch 100 per cent with the actual beginning of the [summer] season and continues until August in conjunction with the start of holy month of Ramadan,” said Al Abedi.

He is expecting an increase in air fares by 15 to 20 per cent during the summer season compared to the rest of year.

Riyad al-Faisal Director General of Al Majed Travel and Tourism Agency pointed out that “travelers have realised the importance of early booking to ensure the best prices and best seats on the aircraft which helps airlines to prepare well and explore the next stage in advance.”

He also noted that there are airlines which are deliberately cancelling the budget flights to take advantage of the peak travel season and compensate for the period of winter hibernation.

Al Faisal explained that the number of the budget flights has seen a drastic growth, especially in light of the growing demand by large groups of travelers in the UAE.

“Cheaper fare is the main reason behind the success of low-cost airlines,” he said, adding that competition between airlines remains very healthy and in the interest of passengers in particular and the aviation sector in the UAE in general.

Malaysia and Turkey have come out as the two most preferred destinations of the UAE vacationers and tickets to these places are expected rise by more than 10 per cent during peak summer.