UAE December flights already 15-20% pricier than November - experts urge early booking
Demand for end-of-year travel from the UAE is strong and seats are filling fast. Here's the expert advice on timing your booking to avoid peak-season price spikes
Dubai: Travel industry managers and experts said that airfare prices for December have started to register higher levels compared to November, with expectations that they will gradually rise as travel dates approach and flight occupancy rates increase, indicating a strong travel peak ahead.
They explained to that December is considered one of the peak periods in travel, as it coincides with the end-of-year holidays and the holiday season, which increases the demand for flights to and from the UAE, and gradually reduces the number of available seats on some routes.
They pointed out that December flight prices are currently recording an increase ranging between 15% and 20% on some routes, stressing that early booking not only contributes to obtaining better prices, but also gives travellers wider options, in terms of flight times and airlines.
They advised travellers to compare prices and read the terms and conditions of tickets, services, and additional fees before completing the booking.
In detail, Mamoun Humaidan, CEO of the online travel app and marketplace Wego, said that airfare prices for December have started to register higher levels compared to November, coinciding with travellers preparing for the winter season and end-of-year holidays, amid expectations of a gradual increase in prices as travel dates approach and flight occupancy increases.
Humaidan added that flight prices rise significantly during December as the travel date approaches, explaining that the relationship between demand and occupancy levels is directly reflected in prices, as the higher the occupancy and the lower the available seats, the greater the likelihood of higher ticket prices.
He explained that the demand during the December season is not limited to one destination, but includes Arab destinations in addition to the most prominent tourist destinations and stations that are very popular with the residents of the UAE during the winter season.
Humaidan confirmed that, on the other hand, travel to the UAE is also witnessing demand from travellers coming to it, as the country continues to attract visitors, as it is a tourist destination during the winter season.
He pointed out that the prices of flights currently available for December are about 15% higher compared to November flights, with expectations of gradual increases during the coming period, coinciding with the approach of the travel season and rising levels of demand.
Humaidan advised travellers who had set their travel dates in December to book early, noting the importance of carefully reading the terms and conditions before completing the booking, including baggage policy, the possibility of changing or canceling the booking, additional fees, and conditions for refunding the ticket value, especially since the lowest price is not necessarily the final price that the traveler will pay after adding services and fees.
For travellers who have not yet finalised their plans, comparing multiple travel dates may offer different pricing options, as prices can vary depending on the day of the trip, the time of travel, and the occupancy level, while delaying booking until close to the travel date may reduce the available options and increase costs on some routes.
For his part, Adnan Aridi, Vice President of Business Development at Voyage Tours, said that travellers planning to travel during next December should book their flight tickets early, especially since the month is considered one of the peak periods in travel, which raises the demand for seats and increases the likelihood of prices rising as the date of the trip approaches.
Aridi added that December usually sees strong demand for travel, whether from families planning to spend the end of the year holiday or travelers visiting their family and relatives, so waiting until the last few weeks may mean paying higher prices or facing limited options in terms of flight times and available seats.
He confirmed that airfare prices have already started to register higher levels compared to previous periods, with increases currently ranging between 15% and 20% on some routes, expecting that pressure on prices will increase as the holiday season approaches and demand continues to grow.
Aridi explained that booking early gives the traveler a greater opportunity to choose the flights that suit him and to take advantage of the currently available prices, instead of waiting until the cheaper flights fill up. He advised travellers to compare prices and to be as flexible as possible in their departure and return dates.
He pointed out that advance planning not only reduces ticket costs, but also helps families secure seats on desired flights and avoid limited options during peak season.
Diana Pearson, the general manager of Atlantis Holidays, said that airfare prices do not usually rise on a specific date and suddenly, but rather change according to several factors, most notably the volume of demand and the number of seats available on flights. However, December is traditionally one of the busiest months of the year for travel, especially during the Christmas and New Year period.
She added that current demand for winter travel from the UAE and the region is positive, noting that travellers who have finalised their travel plans for December are advised not to postpone booking until the last minute.
She explained that booking early is not only related to price, but also gives the traveler wider options in terms of flight times, airlines and available routes, and reduces the likelihood of having to pay additional amounts as the travel date approaches.
Pearson stressed that the key advice for travelers who have already set their travel dates is to book their December tickets now, rather than waiting until the last few weeks, when seat and flight options are more limited.