Airline ticket prices rise to the most popular Arab destinations…and Damascus is the highest, with an increase of 45%

Airline ticket prices to a number of the most popular Arab destinations recorded significant levels for direct flights in the last week of this May, coinciding with the Eid al-Adha holiday, compared to the average flight prices in the previous April, with rates of increase ranging between 30 and 45% during the comparison period.

According to a survey that included flight prices during “Sacrifice Week,” the Syrian capital, Damascus, topped the list of destinations with the highest prices for air tickets, also recording the highest percentage increase in average prices, which are considered starting prices that are subject to availability, and change based on the volume of demand and timing of reservation.

Two officials at two travel agencies told Emirates Today that flight prices are rising globally, due to the increase in aviation fuel costs. As for the Middle East region, the increases are linked, in addition to the fuel portion, to two other factors: airlines operating a “limited schedule” of flights, in addition to the high demand for travel in the last week of May. They stressed the importance of adopting flexibility in dates for round-trip flights.

Price levels

In detail, air ticket prices to a number of the most popular Arab destinations recorded significant levels for direct flights in the last week of this May, coinciding with the Eid al-Adha holiday, compared to the average flight prices in the previous April, and price increases ranged on average between 30 and 45% during the comparison period, according to a survey that included destinations: Cairo, Alexandria, Amman, Beirut, and Damascus.

According to the survey data, the Syrian capital, Damascus, topped the list of the highest prices for airline tickets, as the average price of an airline ticket reached 3,900 dirhams, followed by the Lebanese capital, Beirut, with more than 3,200 dirhams, then the Jordanian capital, Amman, with about 3,000 dirhams, followed by the Egyptian capital, Cairo, with 2,800 dirhams, and the city of Alexandria, with about 2,700 dirhams.

Damascus also recorded the highest rate of increase, reaching about 45%, followed by Cairo, with an increase of 38%, then Beirut and Alexandria, with an increase of 35% each, while the city of Amman recorded an increase of approximately 30%, and prices will return to lower levels of 35% on average, starting from the first week of June 2026.

These prices are introductory, as they are subject to availability, and change based on the volume of demand and timing of reservation, especially with the increasing demand for travel, as these price levels cover a period of seven days.

This comes at a time when airlines operate a limited schedule of flights to these destinations, whether via direct flights or even indirect flights, which is reflected in price levels and increases the possibility of their fluctuation during the coming period.

Strong request

The General Manager of Al-Awadhi Travel Company, Amin Al-Awadhi, said: “Air ticket prices from the UAE market to a number of the most popular Arab destinations are witnessing a noticeable increase during the last week of May 2026, coinciding with the approaching Eid Al-Adha holiday, which is one of the most prominent annual travel seasons,” pointing out that strong and accelerating demand is the main factor behind this increase.

He added that reservations began to rise gradually since last April, before witnessing a clear jump in recent days with the approach of Eid al-Adha, indicating that these destinations are classified among the preferred options for residents of the country during short and medium vacations to visit family and relatives.

Al-Awadhi explained that the pressure on return flights will be strong with the end of the Eid al-Adha holiday, pointing out that air ticket prices globally, and not just in the region, are witnessing a significant increase compared to the levels of the same period last year, due to the rise in fuel costs.

He continued: “For the Middle East region in particular, price increases are linked to the rise in aviation fuel prices, in addition to companies operating a limited schedule of flights,” pointing out that with the decline in capacity and the number of seats occupied by carriers, demand is much higher than supply, especially during peak periods and seasons.

Al-Awadhi said: “Current prices are high, but they are likely to rise further in the coming days as the Eid al-Adha holiday approaches, and the prices of recent reservations that precede the holiday are likely to be at very high levels.”

Height factors

In addition, the CEO of Dubai Link Group, Dr. Haitham Al-Haj Ali, said, “The Eid Al-Adha season is one of the strong periods that witness high demand, especially from families and groups,” pointing out that the rise in prices is linked to three combined factors: the large demand during the Eid period, the operation of air carriers for a limited number of flights, in addition to the rise in aviation fuel prices, thus increasing the operational costs of airlines.

He added that the prices of flights that depart two or three days before Eid are the most in demand, and therefore the highest in price, and are currently in a high range, indicating that for those wishing to travel, early booking is necessary to avoid high costs.

He stressed that avoiding flights that precede Eid al-Adha by at least two or three days, and approximately the same period after the end of the holiday for return flights, will contribute to significantly reducing the average ticket price.

He pointed out that “airlines may resort to operating additional flights, and thus we may witness stability in prices, but this depends on several factors due to operational conditions and the extent of their ability to increase operation.”

Haj Ali stated that nearby destinations account for the largest share of demand, specifically Arab stations, and it is expected that we will witness very high occupancy rates on outbound and return flights.

In response to a question regarding the high ticket prices to the Syrian capital, Damascus, he said: “Damascus is considered one of the most expensive destinations for air travel, due to air carriers operating in general and from various markets with seat capacity that is significantly lower compared to the demand for this destination.”

Regarding travel for the purpose of spending holidays, Haj Ali mentioned that there is an increase in demand for integrated travel packages that include flight tickets and accommodation, as many travelers prefer to book their trips within ready-made offers to save time and relatively cost, despite the general increase in prices, stressing the importance of early booking, as the earlier the booking is made, the greater the chances of obtaining better prices and wider options, especially on direct flights, in addition to adopting flexibility in dates for round-trip flights.

Hajj Ali stated that this strong activity reflects the continued recovery of the travel and tourism sector in the region, driven by individuals’ desire to travel after periods of anticipation, pointing out that the long period of the expected Eid al-Adha holiday has encouraged more people to travel and take advantage of this opportunity to visit their families.

Amin Al-Awadi:

• Price increases are related to rising aviation fuel prices and companies operating a limited schedule of flights.

Haitham Al Haj Ali:

• Damascus is one of the most expensive destinations for air travel, due to air carriers operating seat capacity less than demand.