Abu Dhabi/Dubai: Expatriates in the Gulf region are taking advantage of a significant drop in airfares this month, making travel to their home countries more budget-friendly. As of mid-February, a one-way ticket from Dubai to Kochi costs around 700 AED, allowing a family of four to fly home for approximately 2800 AED. However, this window of affordability is temporary, as ticket prices are set to double in March and April, with an even sharper increase expected in July and August when school vacations begin.
March – April Price Hike
With schools in the UAE closing for a short break, demand for flights to Kerala is expected to rise significantly. Students in kindergarten and up to Class 9 will have a three-week holiday starting March 14, leading airlines to adjust fares accordingly. As of February 9, a ticket for travel on March 15 with a return on April 5 was priced at 1300 AED per person, amounting to 5200 AED for a family of four. These fares fluctuate based on booking dates, making early reservations crucial to avoid last-minute price hikes.
July – August Peak Travel Season
The highest airfare surge is projected between July and August, as most expatriates plan vacations during the long summer break. Airlines anticipate an influx of passengers and have already begun increasing fares. Booking a one-way ticket to Kerala for this period costs approximately 2500 AED per person, meaning a family of four would need to spend at least 10,000 AED. Even booking five months in advance does not guarantee significantly lower prices, as rates continue to climb steadily.
Given the fluctuating airfare trends, travelers are advised to secure their tickets as early as possible to avoid exorbitant costs. Planning in advance and tracking fare trends can help expatriates make the most of these temporary reductions before peak season price surges.
