UAE airfares plunge: Cheap last-min flights to London, Istanbul, New York & more for as Low as Dh1,300

This summer, UAE residents are seeing a rare opportunity for budget-friendly travel, with affordable last-minute flight deals on offer, even during the peak months of July and August.For instance, tickets from Dubai to London are now as low as Dh1,300 ($354), a steep drop from last year’s Dh2,500 ($681). Similarly, flights from Abu Dhabi to popular destinations like Mumbai are priced from Dh708 ($193), offering further savings compared to last year.

Airfares See a Welcome Decrease

Travel experts attribute the dip in airfares to various factors, including the easing of previous price hikes. Rashid Abbas, Managing Director of Arooha Travels, told local media outlet Gulf News, that fares to destinations in the CIS and India have dropped to Dh610 ($166) to Dh800 ($217).

He called the price reduction a much-needed relief after years of inflated ticket prices.For example, flights from Dubai to Istanbul and Cairo are priced at Dh653 ($177) and Dh1,430 ($389), respectively, offering budget-friendly options for those planning a last-minute trip.“We’re seeing a much more manageable increase in airfares this July,” Abbas noted, acknowledging the positive shift compared to the steep prices of the past two years.

High-Cost European Routes Still Exist

However, not all destinations are seeing price drops. Direct flights to European cities like London, Barcelona, and Lisbon are still priced between Dh2,500 ($681) and Dh3,800 ($1,032), which remains out of reach for some budget-conscious travelers.Still, there are affordable alternatives. Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels, explained to local media, that while certain European routes remain expensive, budget airlines such as Eurowings, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi are offering better deals.

For example, flights from Dubai to Paris on these carriers cost Dh2,815 ($766), while a ticket to Berlin is priced at Dh1,860 ($506).Even long-haul flights are seeing more reasonable prices. A direct flight from Dubai to New York, for instance, is priced at Dh2,945 ($800), a significant improvement from previous years.

Last-Minute Deals: Great Bargains Under Dh2,000 ($544)

Here are some of the best last-minute flight deals for travel between July 15 and 31, 2023, with tickets starting at these estimated prices as of the time of writing:From Dubai:

From Abu Dhabi:

From Sharjah:

From Ras Al Khaimah:

Shifting Travel Habits

Travel agents attribute the drop in airfares to the changing travel habits of UAE residents.

Many people are now choosing to travel during off-peak months to take advantage of cheaper fares. Instead of long vacations of one or two months, travelers are opting for shorter trips of two to ten days. The trend towards shorter holidays has led to increased demand for destinations closer to the UAE, such as Azerbaijan, Schengen countries, and parts of Africa. These locations offer affordability and convenience, making them more attractive to residents seeking quick getaways. Additionally, corporate leave policies, typically no longer than 20 days, have prompted many employees to break their travel into two or three shorter trips each year. In cities like Dubai, residents often return by early August, planning future trips for winter or Diwali holidays.