Flights from UAE: Why are air ticket prices increasing now?
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]Air ticket prices from the UAE have surged in recent weeks, with increases averaging 15–25 per cent, according to several travel agencies. The rise comes amid limited flight schedules from regional carriers, fewer international airlines on key routes, and rising operational costs, including fuel and insurance.Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, CEO of Pinoy Tourism, explained that while the increases are noticeable, especially for families and multi-sector travellers, they have not discouraged overall travel demand. “What we are seeing is a shift in customer behaviour," he said."Travellers are comparing prices more carefully, making faster decisions, and being more flexible with travel dates and routes. Many are also choosing to secure bookings earlier to avoid further increases," he said.Nasir added that travel delays during recent disruptions have contributed to a surge in demand once flights resumed.“Many travellers chose to delay rather than cancel their plans. As operations gradually stabilise, this deferred demand is returning alongside new bookings, which naturally puts pressure on available seat capacity and can drive fares higher,” he noted.Imtiaz Hussain NasirRashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com, highlighted a growing trend of strategic booking behaviour among travellers.“We see most passengers booking 8–10 days in advance to secure better fares,” she said.“Prices tend to rise sharply in the final 3–5 days before departure, prompting early planning. Direct flights remain preferred for convenience, but cost-conscious travellers are increasingly considering indirect routes if the savings are significant,” she emphasised. Rashida Zahid Rino Steephen, sales manager and partner at Azzam Travel and Tourism, attributed the surge to limited competition and broader global pressures.“At the moment, most available flights are operated by UAE-based carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air India. Fewer international airlines are flying, which reduces competition and pushes prices higher,” he said.Popular destinations from the UAE currently include India, the Philippines, African countries, Turkey, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Singapore, and select European cities such as London, Paris, Milan, and Barcelona.According to Steephen, flight availability is a key factor shaping prices. “When direct flights are limited, travellers are willing to take indirect routes, even if it means longer travel times and higher costs. This flexibility helps passengers manage budgets while still reaching their preferred destinations.”Rino Steephen Experts note that rising airfares are also influenced by global factors, including higher fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and operational risks faced by airlines. Despite higher fares, booking behaviour varies: some passengers with urgent travel needs continue to book immediately, while others plan weeks in advance to secure better deals. Airlines are offering more flexible options for date changes and cancellations to help travellers adapt.Looking ahead, Imtiaz Hussain Nasir said that travel demand remains strong and is expected to recover steadily as operations stabilise. “Travel has not disappeared; it has only been delayed. As more seats become available, we expect fares to remain elevated, particularly on high-demand routes with limited capacity,” he said.Rino Steephen added that while UAE carriers are operating without seat restrictions, the absence of a wider range of international airlines continues to influence pricing dynamics.“If conditions stabilise in the coming weeks, prices could ease slightly, but much depends on how the situation evolves,” he concluded.Dh555 UAE-India airfare: Travellers can cut costs by half; here’s howUp to Dh7,000 per seat: Some charter flights to help UAE passengers get homeUAE-India airfares rise up to 25% on average, faster than those of other countries
[Editor's Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid US-Israel-Iran war for the latest regional developments.]
Air ticket prices from the UAE have surged in recent weeks, with increases averaging 15–25 per cent, according to several travel agencies.
The rise comes amid limited flight schedules from regional carriers, fewer international airlines on key routes, and rising operational costs, including fuel and insurance.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, CEO of Pinoy Tourism, explained that while the increases are noticeable, especially for families and multi-sector travellers, they have not discouraged overall travel demand. “What we are seeing is a shift in customer behaviour," he said.
"Travellers are comparing prices more carefully, making faster decisions, and being more flexible with travel dates and routes. Many are also choosing to secure bookings earlier to avoid further increases," he said.
Nasir added that travel delays during recent disruptions have contributed to a surge in demand once flights resumed.
“Many travellers chose to delay rather than cancel their plans. As operations gradually stabilise, this deferred demand is returning alongside new bookings, which naturally puts pressure on available seat capacity and can drive fares higher,” he noted. Imtiaz Hussain Nasir
Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com, highlighted a growing trend of strategic booking behaviour among travellers.
“We see most passengers booking 8–10 days in advance to secure better fares,” she said.
“Prices tend to rise sharply in the final 3–5 days before departure, prompting early planning. Direct flights remain preferred for convenience, but cost-conscious travellers are increasingly considering indirect routes if the savings are significant,” she emphasised. Rashida Zahid 
Rino Steephen, sales manager and partner at Azzam Travel and Tourism, attributed the surge to limited competition and broader global pressures.
“At the moment, most available flights are operated by UAE-based carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air India. Fewer international airlines are flying, which reduces competition and pushes prices higher,” he said.
Popular destinations from the UAE currently include India, the Philippines, African countries, Turkey, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Singapore, and select European cities such as London, Paris, Milan, and Barcelona.
According to Steephen, flight availability is a key factor shaping prices. “When direct flights are limited, travellers are willing to take indirect routes, even if it means longer travel times and higher costs. This flexibility helps passengers manage budgets while still reaching their preferred destinations.” Rino Steephen 
Experts note that rising airfares are also influenced by global factors, including higher fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and operational risks faced by airlines.
Despite higher fares, booking behaviour varies: some passengers with urgent travel needs continue to book immediately, while others plan weeks in advance to secure better deals.
Airlines are offering more flexible options for date changes and cancellations to help travellers adapt.
Looking ahead, Imtiaz Hussain Nasir said that travel demand remains strong and is expected to recover steadily as operations stabilise.
“Travel has not disappeared; it has only been delayed. As more seats become available, we expect fares to remain elevated, particularly on high-demand routes with limited capacity,” he said.
Rino Steephen added that while UAE carriers are operating without seat restrictions, the absence of a wider range of international airlines continues to influence pricing dynamics.
“If conditions stabilise in the coming weeks, prices could ease slightly, but much depends on how the situation evolves,” he concluded.
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