Dubai — Travel agents and industry analysts in the the UAE warn travellers that airfares are unlikely to fall before the end of December, as holiday demand, school breaks and limited airline seat capacity keep ticket prices elevated.
Air-travel companies have already finalised winter flight schedules, meaning price and frequency planning for the season is locked in. That leaves little room for mid-season adjustments or fare drops.
A key factor is the convergence of several high-demand occasions: extended winter school holidays in the UAE beginning December 8, festive travel around national and year-end holidays, and long weekends. There is also renewed traveller confidence following easing of geopolitical tensions.
On routes to India, fares have already increased substantially. Return economy tickets to North and West India are now averaging between AED 1,200 and AED 1,900 for December travel.
On southern destinations such as Kerala, prices are rising from last year’s December levels of about AED 800–1,200 up to around AED 1,500 or more.
Travel agents advise those planning December trips to book early, since fares are expected to rise further during the peak period from December 20–28, potentially increasing by 30–50 percent depending on destination.