As the final stretch of 2025 approaches, UAE travellers are being urged not to delay booking their December flights. Industry insiders warn that airfare rates on many popular international routes could spike by as much as 30–50 percent, or roughly Dh1,200 extra, compared to what they are now.
Why the jump?
- Strong demand meets limited seats: December is among the busiest months for travel, thanks to National Day, Eid Al Etihad, Christmas, and New Year. Airlines tend to raise yield (fare) levels as flight inventories thin out.
- Advance booking advantage: Experts say those booking 6 to 8 weeks before their travel dates generally lock in the best fares. Closer to holiday dates, cheaper seating classes sell out and higher fares dominate.
- Route-specific pressure: For example, the route from Dubai to London is cited: fares around Dh2,800 now could rise to Dh3,800–4,200 by late November.
- Regional effects: Some routes to southern India are already seeing pressure. Return tickets to destinations like Kerala are quoted at Dh1,200–1,400 for December trips—up from more moderate off-peak levels.
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How the 9-day holiday is lining up
UAE’s official holiday schedule offers a window for a long break:
- Eid Al Etihad / National Day are observed this year on Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3.
- Residents can convert this into a 9-day break if they take leave on Monday, December 1, plus Thursday and Friday (Dec 4–5), bridging the weekends on either side.
- In effect: from Saturday, November 29 through Sunday, December 7, one could enjoy an extended holiday stretch.
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That alignment makes December a highly sought-after period for travel—and airlines are aware.
What booking now buys you
- Lower baseline fares — Before fares inflate.
- Better seat options — Access to preferred classes, schedules, and routes.
- Flexibility or cancellation windows — Some tickets allow easier changes ahead of peak time.
- Peace of mind — No gamble on availability in the final weeks.
Cleartrip Arabia and Musafir are already urging customers to lock in tickets early, with claims that doing so now could save 25–40 percent versus waiting for late November.
