Residents of the United Arab Emirates planning trips for Eid al-Fitr 2026 are facing significantly higher airfares, with return economy tickets nearly doubling compared to February and rising 15 to 20 percent compared to last year’s festive season.
For travel between March 19 and March 30, flights from Dubai to London now cost around Dh4,075, compared to off-season fares of Dh1,837.
Other popular international routes are also seeing steep price increases, including Dubai to Lisbon at Dh4,674, Dubai to Osaka at Dh7,995, Dubai to Almaty at Dh2,901, Bangkok at Dh4,005, and Phuket at Dh4,855.
From Abu Dhabi, return tickets to Amsterdam are priced at Dh2,730, London Dh4,090, Zurich Dh3,890, Berlin Dh3,310, and Saint Petersburg Dh3,505.
Travel agencies report strong demand for Europe and Japan. According to Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, Japan remains highly sought after due to the cherry blossom season, though visa delays are a challenge. Packages to Japan are around 20 percent more expensive than last year, ranging from Dh11,000 to Dh12,000.
European destinations such as Switzerland, Paris, and the Netherlands are also seeing robust bookings. Limited Schengen visa appointments are driving demand, pushing travel package prices up by 15 to 20 percent compared to last year.
Far East destinations, including South Korea, Japan, Phuket, and Krabi, continue to attract families and couples. Visa-friendly locations like Georgia, Baku, and Almaty are also popular among travelers seeking hassle-free holidays.
For shorter trips, travel operators report that flights between March 26 and March 29 are in particularly high demand. Cruise holidays, including halal cruise options, are gaining popularity. India remains a key destination, with residents combining Eid holidays and school breaks.
However, flights to India are also more expensive due to peak-season travel.
Despite concerns over potential geopolitical developments, travel demand remains strong. For most UAE residents, however, the main challenge this Eid is coping with the soaring airfare costs compared to both February fares and last year’s festive travel season.
