Air ticket prices to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including Dubai, have risen in recent weeks, with fares increasing by around 15 to 25 per cent, according to travel agents.
The rise means travellers may now have to pay noticeably more for trips to Dubai, especially during busy periods or when booking at short notice.
Why are fares rising?
Travel agencies say several factors are behind the increase.
These include fewer flights on some routes, a limited number of international airlines operating, and higher operating costs such as fuel and insurance.
Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, chief executive of Pinoy Tourism, said the changes are affecting how people plan their journeys.
“What we are seeing is a shift in customer behaviour,” he said. “Travellers are comparing prices more carefully and booking earlier to avoid further increases.”
He added that some of the demand is linked to earlier travel disruptions, with many people choosing to delay rather than cancel their plans.
When are tickets cheapest?
Travel experts say timing now plays a bigger role in ticket prices.
Rashida Zahid from Musafir.com said many travellers are booking flights about one to two weeks in advance to secure lower fares.
“Prices tend to rise sharply in the final few days before departure,” she said. “This is pushing people to plan earlier.”
Direct flights remain the first choice for many passengers, but some are opting for indirect routes if they offer significant savings.
Fewer flights, higher prices
Another key factor is reduced competition on certain routes.
Rino Steephen from Azzam Travel and Tourism said most flights are currently operated by regional carriers such as Emirates, Etihad Airways and Air India.
“With fewer international airlines flying, competition is lower, which pushes prices up,” he explained.
Travellers are also showing more flexibility, choosing longer routes or different travel dates to manage costs.
What travellers can expect?
Despite higher fares, demand for travel remains strong.
Some passengers with urgent plans continue to book immediately, while others are planning ahead to secure better deals.
Airlines are also offering more flexible booking options, allowing changes to travel dates if needed.
Looking ahead, experts say ticket prices could ease slightly if more flights return and operations stabilise.
However, fares may stay high on busy routes where demand continues to exceed available seats.
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