Thousands of residents across Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are facing massive price hikes as air ticket prices for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays have officially skyrocketed. With the festive break expected around March 20, 2026, return economy tickets to popular hubs have nearly doubled compared to early February rates.
Many families planning to travel home or take a short vacation are now seeing prices 15% to 20% higher than last year’s holiday period.
Massive Hikes for India and Pakistan Routes
The most significant price jumps are hitting the highly traveled routes to South Asia. Thousands of expatriates looking to fly to Mumbai, Delhi and Kerala are finding that fares have climbed well beyond the usual off-peak levels. For instance, return tickets to Mumbai and Delhi, which often hover around Dh500 to Dh600, are now reaching Dh1,200 and higher as seat availability tightens.
Travelers heading to Pakistan are feeling the same financial strain. Return economy fares to Lahore and Islamabad have surged, with some last-minute seats priced between Dh1,100 and Dh1,500. This spike is particularly difficult for large families who traditionally travel together during the Eid break to reunite with relatives.
In Kerala, specifically routes to Kochi and Calicut, demand is so high that travel agents in Sharjah, Ajman and Dubai are reporting that they got sold out weeks in advance. These “sentimental routes” are seeing the highest pressure because the holiday overlaps with spring school breaks. This super high demand means that even budget airlines are no longer offering the low cost deals.
Why Demand is Surging Earlier Than Usual
Travel experts say the rush for tickets began as early as January this year. Many residents in the UAE are trying to maximize their time off by locking in travel dates between March 19 and March 28. This early surge has triggered airline pricing algorithms, causing fares to jump much sooner than in previous years.
Beyond South Asia, other busy destinations are also seeing record breaking prices. A return flight from Dubai to London is now Dh4,075, a massive increase from the off season rate of Dh1,837. Japan is also a top choice due to the cherry blossom season, but a trip to Osaka now costs a staggering Dh7,995, making it one of the most expensive holidays for UAE residents this March.
Because of these skyrocketing costs, thousands of people are now pivoting toward “staycations” within the UAE. Hotels in the Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi are already seeing occupancy rates climb toward 90% as families choose local luxury over expensive flights. For those still determined to fly home, the message from agents is clear: if you haven’t booked yet, you’re likely to pay a heavy premium.
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J. Maham is a specialized travel and immigration analyst with a focus on European work permits and South Asian’s mobility. With over 5 years of experience tracking global visa policy shifts, Maham provides verified, actionable insights for professionals seeking legal pathways to the EU and beyond.