He pressed “return flights” in late August and early September

Tourism and travel agencies said that return flights from holidays and summer vacations to the UAE will witness great pressure during the last week of August and the first week of September, coinciding with the end of the summer vacation season and the return of students to schools.

She explained to Emirates Today that occupancy rates on several flights from major destinations are almost full, pointing out that customers who have not yet booked return tickets will face relatively limited options compared to previous periods, especially on direct flights and preferred travel times. She advised customers who intend to make new reservations to be flexible in travel and return dates, and to stay away as much as possible from peak dates that coincide with the last days of August.

Return flights

Salah Mansour, CEO of STS in the Dubai Link Group, said, “The travel market is currently witnessing strong indications of an increase in demand for return flights to the UAE, with the end of the summer holiday season approaching,” pointing out that many families, who leave during the months of July and August, are planning to return before the start of the new school year.

He added that the last week of August and the first days of September next represent the peak of the annual return season, which is reflected in occupancy rates and prices at the same time, noting that many flights heading to the UAE from major tourist destinations record very high occupancy rates, while some flights are approaching full occupancy.

He stressed that this strong demand for return flights also includes the most popular Arab destinations, such as Cairo, Beirut, Amman, Damascus, and Alexandria.

Mansour pointed out that customers who have not yet booked return tickets will face relatively limited options compared to previous periods, especially on direct flights and preferred travel times, indicating that ticket prices during this period are among the highest during the summer season.

He stressed that the price difference between return tickets during the peak of the end of August compared to the beginning of the summer season in the first week of July may be noticeable on several destinations, as a result of the increase in demand and the decrease in the number of available seats. He called on those wishing to make new reservations to consider flexible options, including adjusting the return dates before or after the peak days, to avoid high prices.

Almost full occupancy

For his part, the director of the “Nirvana Travel and Tourism Company,” Alaa Al-Ali, said, “The demand for return flights, during the last two weeks of August and the beginning of September, increases significantly annually, as it is the period directly related to the end of summer vacations, and families’ readiness to return to their work and their children’s schools.” He added that airlines manage their operational capacities according to demand levels, but the significant increase in return traffic over a short period of time leads to recording almost full occupancy rates on several flights, especially those coming from The most attractive destinations for travelers during the summer.

Al-Ali continued: “Travelers who are currently planning to make new reservations must rely on flexibility in choosing travel dates,” explaining that moving forward the return date by several days, or delaying it immediately after the end of the peak, may provide more options and better prices compared to reservations associated with the last days of August.

He believed that “flexibility in the timing of flights has become an essential factor in obtaining suitable prices during high-demand seasons and peak times,” pointing out that “some travelers focus on a specific day for their return, which limits their options and raises the total cost of the trip.”

Modification terms

In the same context, the General Manager of Al-Awadhi Travel Company, Amin Al-Awadhi, said: “It is important for travelers who have confirmed reservations during the peak period to review the terms of modification or cancellation of their tickets before making any decision to change the dates.” He explained that several airlines apply fees to modifications of reservations during peak periods, and the traveler may also have to pay additional price differences, as a result of the increase in the prices of available seats on alternative flights. He added: “In addition to fees, there is a very important factor, which is the price differences before and after the modification.” ticket, during peak times the differences may be enormous.”

He continued to “Emirates Today”: “The traveler who decides to adjust his return date in the last days before traveling may face a higher cost compared to making the adjustment early, so advance planning remains the best option to avoid any additional financial burdens.”

Al-Awadhi advised travelers to check travel documents and required documents, in addition to reviewing flight data and departure and arrival times, especially in light of the possibility of making some operational adjustments during busy seasons.

Al-Awadhi also called on travelers to be at airports well before the flight date, given the expected increase in the number of travelers during the return period, indicating that early arrival contributes to completing travel procedures smoothly, and reduces the risk of flight delays. Al-Awadhi expected continued momentum on the return movement to the country until the first week of September, driven by the return of residents from summer vacations, and families’ readiness for the start of the new school year, pointing out that current indicators reflect a strong season for summer travel, both in terms of demand and occupancy rates. Flights.