As the UAE prepares for its upcoming school breaks, residents are facing an increasingly difficult decision when it comes to planning their travel: should they book now for Ramadan and take advantage of lower fares, or should they wait for the much-anticipated Eid Al Fitr and pay significantly higher prices? The answer largely depends on timing, as the travel demand forms in two distinct waves, each with its own pricing structure.
Two Waves of Demand: February and March Travel Periods
For travelers planning vacations around school breaks, there are two key periods to consider: February’s mid-term break (from February 11 to 15) and the spring break that runs from March 16 to 29, which also coincides with Eid Al Fitr. According to industry experts, while airfares remain attractive through February and early March, the price surge begins as the Eid holiday approaches.
Travel demand tends to build gradually. In February, many travelers opt to fly during Ramadan, a traditionally quieter period for airlines. Safeer Mahmood, General Manager of Smart Travel Group, explains that demand remains lower during the holy month of Ramadan, making it an ideal time for non-Muslim residents, who typically enjoy cheaper flights.
However, as spring break and Eid Al Fitr approach, demand for flights surges rapidly, especially with the school holiday period overlapping with Eid. This causes prices to spike for popular destinations, especially in Europe, the Far East, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries—regions that are especially attractive for quick getaways due to their relatively easy visa requirements and favorable spring weather.
Ramadan: A Prime Time for Budget Travelers
Ramadan has long been seen as a quieter travel period, with fewer tourists flying to or from the UAE. This drop in demand leads airlines to reduce fares, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travelers to plan vacations. Mahmood highlights that this quieter period allows for more competitive pricing, with fewer travelers booking flights.
Non-Muslim residents in the UAE, in particular, find this a great time to fly. Airfares are typically lower during Ramadan than during peak festive periods, and the timing often coincides with the mid-term school break, making it a sweet spot for family travel.
By mid-March, when the CBSE exams conclude, both inbound and outbound traffic increase. University students—who frequently travel in groups for short breaks—also contribute to the rise in demand as they leave on weekends and return early on Mondays.
The Price Surge: Eid and Spring Break
As Eid Al Fitr approaches, airfares see a dramatic rise. Many airlines are already reporting a surge in demand for flights departing in late March and early April. Popular destinations like Europe, the Far East, and CIS countries see the largest price hikes, as these areas are known for their favorable spring weather, making them ideal for short vacations during the holiday period.
Because the school holiday period overlaps with Eid, families and students alike scramble to book their travel. As the days pass, available seats on flights to these destinations start to disappear, and those that remain come with significantly higher price tags. This trend is particularly evident in destinations such as Turkey, Malaysia, Bali, Vietnam, and Japan, which have seen rising interest from UAE residents looking for both convenience and affordability during the Eid period.
Short Breaks and Quick Getaways
TP Sudheesh, General Manager at Deira Travels, shares that many expatriate families are using the spring break for short, quick trips home. However, with the limited duration of the holiday, travelers are not opting for long vacations. Instead, they are booking quick breaks to destinations with simple visa procedures and relatively short travel times.
Countries like Armenia, Georgia, and Baku are particularly popular for their ease of access and relatively low travel costs. In Asia, destinations like Malaysia, Bali, and Vietnam are gaining attention, while Poland is also increasingly popular among Arab travelers.
Staycations and Regional Travel Alternatives
For those unwilling to face the inflated prices of international travel during Eid, regional alternatives are becoming more attractive. Oman has seen an increase in inquiries, and Turkey continues to draw strong demand from UAE residents looking for value for money and shorter travel times. The staycation trend is also gaining ground, as more residents opt to enjoy nearby destinations without the high costs associated with long-haul flights.
As travel agents emphasize, the safest strategy for those set on traveling during the Eid holiday is simple: book now before fares rise even further. With demand for flights already climbing, those who wait risk missing out on more affordable options.
Booking Early: A Strategy for Smart Travelers
The key takeaway from travel experts is clear: book your flight as early as possible. While fares are still reasonable through February and early March, the closer you get to Eid, the higher the prices become. For those planning to travel during spring break or Eid Al Fitr, securing your ticket now can save you hundreds of dirhams or more.
If you’re flexible with your destination and willing to explore regional travel options, there are still opportunities to get good value. But for those eager to travel further afield, early booking remains the most reliable way to secure the best deals before prices peak.
Conclusion: How to Navigate the Eid Travel Rush
For UAE residents planning their holidays around Ramadan or Eid Al Fitr, the choice is clear: travel earlier for better rates or prepare to pay a premium as the Eid rush sets in. The two waves of travel demand—Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday—offer different pricing structures, and savvy travelers can make the most of these trends by booking early.
As spring break and Eid approach, the pressure to book flights increases, and those who act early will be rewarded with more affordable airfares. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, or a closer regional destination, planning ahead is your best bet for securing the most budget-friendly fares.
The post UAE Travelers Beware: How to Save Big on Ramadan Flights Before the Eid Al Fitr Price Surge Hits – Book Now! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
