UAE residents planning to travel during the upcoming December holiday season are being urged to book their flight tickets early, as airfares are expected to rise by up to 50 per cent closer to the holidays, according to travel industry experts.
“Travellers booking now can save between 30 and 40 per cent on average compared to those who wait until late November,” said Raheesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer of musafir.com, in an interview with Khaleej Times.
“For instance, a popular route such as Dubai–London, which currently costs around Dh2,800, could easily rise to between Dh3,800 and Dh4,200 by late November. The closer we get to December, the steeper the price increases. That’s why we always advise booking as early as possible for holiday travel,” he explained.
Sharp Fare Increases Expected by Late November
Current round-trip fares from Dubai remain competitive across major routes. However, Babu noted that during peak travel dates typically between December 20 and 28 fares tend to surge by 30 to 50 per cent, driven by heightened demand, limited seat availability, and airlines’ dynamic pricing models.
“In December, airfares always peak because many UAE residents travel for holidays or to visit family and friends abroad during Eid Al Etihad, Christmas, and the New Year,” he said.
Major UAE carriers, including Emirates and Etihad Airways, alongside Dubai International Airport (DXB), routinely issue travel advisories ahead of the busy season, reflecting the expected passenger rush.
How to Turn the Public Holidays into a 9-Day Break
UAE residents can look forward to an extended break in December, with Eid Al Etihad expected to fall on Tuesday, December 2, and Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
Those who wish to maximise the holiday can take annual leave on Monday, December 1; Thursday, December 4; and Friday, December 5. Combined with the two weekends on either side, this could create a 9-day holiday stretch to wrap up the year.
When to Book for Best Prices
Babu advised that the optimal booking window for international travel is between six to eight weeks in advance, especially during peak periods when affordable fares tend to sell out quickly.
“We are already seeing strong interest and rising fares for December travel. Booking now ensures better prices, seat availability, and overall value before the holiday rush pushes costs up,” he added.
Sameer Bagul, Chief Business Officer at Cleartrip Arabia, echoed the same advice.
“We always encourage customers to book early. In fact, we’re currently running promotions to help people secure better deals,” Bagul said. “You can save at least 25 to 30 per cent if you book now it’s significantly cheaper.”
Bottom Line
With demand building rapidly for the December travel season, both experts agree that early booking is the best strategy to avoid last-minute fare spikes and ensure a smooth end-of-year getaway.
Tip for travellers: Booking flights before mid-October could offer the best combination of affordability and flexibility before the December rush begins.
