Flight prices between the UAE and India drop before the July peak (AP photo)
Flight prices on key routes between the UAE and India have shown signs of falling after weeks of sharp increases, providing some relief to Indian expatriates planning to travel in the summer. The decline comes as airlines gradually restore capacity, add frequencies and bring more seats back to the market ahead of the peak travel season from July to August.According to a report by Gulf News, prices on certain sectors – especially routes linking the UAE to Kerala – have fallen from recent highs, although travel industry executives warn that prices are still well above last year’s levels and could rise again as holiday demand intensifies.
Kerala roads lead to price correction
Rahesh Babu, Chief Operating Officer at Musafir. com, told Gulf News that ticket prices on some sectors bound for Kerala which had risen to around Dh3,500-Dh3,600 have declined to nearly Dh2,600 with additional flights returning to service.He attributed this decline to improved seat availability and a modest increase in airline capacity, noting that the supply constraints that pushed prices up sharply earlier this month were beginning to ease.However, industry participants stressed that current prices remain high compared to 2024 levels, with multiple travel dates in July continuing to command premium prices.
Summer travel demand continues to drive up prices
The UAE-India corridor remains one of the busiest international aviation markets in the world, supported by strong business, tourism and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) traffic.
The period from June to August is traditionally among the most expensive times to travel, with school holidays and family vacations driving overseas demand from the UAE. Airlines typically sell low-fare inventory early, leaving fewer budget-friendly seats closer to departure dates.
Flight operations have returned to normal after regional unrest
Travel agents linked the recent moderation in prices to the gradual normalization of flight schedules following disruptions caused by regional geopolitical tensions.Zaid Amin, owner of Go Kite Tours & Travels, said operations were restricted during the conflict, with only a limited number of airlines maintaining full schedules.He also noted the increase in transit options through Muscat operated by SalamAir, adding more supply to the market.
Fares reduced by Dh300-Dh400 on selected routes
Amin said some routes had seen price cuts of around 300-400 dirhams in recent weeks, and suggested prices would remain relatively stable if flights continued to increase.Regarding Kerala sectors, he pointed out that airlines had to reduce prices as flights were not yet fully sold out. Routes like Kochi and Calicut saw some relief, thanks to additional IndiGo services and improved seat availability.Fares are expected to approach normal levels over the next six weeks as more flights, including Air India Express services, gradually resume.
The industry cautions against over-interpreting short-term declines
Despite the recent easing, travel agents confirm that flight ticket price fluctuations remain high.
Safeer Mahmoud, General Manager of Smart Travels, said that there is no clear indication that prices are on a continuous downward trend.Instead, he described the current situation as temporary volatility driven by changing inventory levels and booking patterns.Mahmoud estimated that prices are still about 15-20 percent higher than last summer, pointing to strong seasonal demand and a decrease in the total number of flights compared to previous years.
Travelers are advised to keep a close eye on prices
Industry experts said passengers may find occasional deals, as cancellations and last-minute stock releases lead to temporary price reductions.Travel agents also sometimes have access to pre-blocked seats that can be sold at lower prices than those available to the public.With strong demand expected to continue during the summer holiday period, travelers are advised to monitor prices regularly and book quickly when attractive offers become available.
