Dhaka: For the first time in years, budget-conscious travellers in the UAE are finding last-minute summer getaways more accessible, even during the peak travel months of July and August.

Connecting economy fares from Dubai to London are now available for as low as Dh1,300 — a steep decline from last year’s prices, which reached up to Dh2,500 for similar one-stop flights.

Travellers departing from Abu Dhabi are seeing even more competitive rates. For instance, one-way tickets from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai are currently priced at just Dh708 for travel between July 15 and 31.

While some UAE–Europe airfares have dropped to their lowest levels since 2020, travel agents say prices remain high for certain destinations.

Connecting flights from Dubai to London are available from Dh1,300, but direct routes to cities like London, Lisbon, and Barcelona still range between Dh2,500 and Dh3,000.

“Some fares are dramatically low, especially via budget carriers, but others remain costly,” said Abbas, a travel industry expert. Flights from Dubai to Paris are selling for Dh2,815, and Berlin for Dh1,860, according to Afi Ahmed, Chairman of Smart Travels.

Travel behaviour is also shifting. “UAE residents now prefer shorter holidays of 2–10 days, often breaking up longer trips,” said Sapna Aidasani of Pluto Travels.

Popular destinations now include Schengen countries, Azerbaijan, and parts of Africa.

She noted that many travellers avoid long absences during summer, opting instead for second trips in winter or during Diwali.

-B