Dubai: Airfares to several major Arab destinations are expected to rise by 25% to 35% in July 2026 compared to June, as the summer travel season approaches and demand increases due to school holidays and annual vacations.Data from airline websites shows that ticket prices returned to normal levels after the Eid Al Adha holiday and the decline in high demand seen in the second half of May. This makes June the most affordable period for travel before the July peak, offering better opportunities to secure lower fares ahead of the busy summer season.Average ticket pricesAccording to survey data, average airfares to popular Arab destinations from the UAE in July will be 25% to 35% higher than June levels.Cairo recorded the highest increase at around 35%, followed by Beirut at 30%, while Amman and Damascus saw increases of approximately 25%.The average price of economy tickets for direct flights in July is as follows:Cairo: AED 2,400 (up from AED 1,777 in June)Amman: AED 2,500 (up from AED 2,000 in June)Damascus: AED 2,600 (up from AED 2,080 in June)Beirut: AED 2,600 (up from AED 2,000 in June)These figures reflect the lowest available fares at the time of monitoring and exclude optional services. Prices remain subject to change depending on booking time, seat availability, and airline policies, and may rise significantly closer to departure dates.Seasonal demand patternsHessa Al Harthi, Head of Corporate and Leisure at Dubai World Travel, said current June fares reflect a pre-peak period, with prices expected to rise sharply in July and August due to increased travel during school holidays.She noted that the market has returned to normal after exceptional demand during late May and Eid Al Adha, when high occupancy levels pushed prices up. With that period over, airlines have released more seats in lower fare categories, contributing to lower June prices.However, she stressed that the current dip in fares is temporary and does not indicate a long-term decline, as the summer peak officially begins in July.High occupancy and price pressureAl Harthi revealed that many July and August flights are already experiencing high occupancy rates due to strong early bookings. As a result, the availability of lower-priced economy seats is decreasing.She explained that airline pricing is directly tied to demand and seat availability, meaning fares typically rise as flights fill up and departure dates approach.She also highlighted that while cheaper tickets may appear attractive, they often come with strict terms regarding changes, cancellations, and refunds, which can increase the overall cost if travel plans change.Flexible tickets, although more expensive upfront, are becoming increasingly valuable during peak seasons as they offer greater flexibility for changes or partial refunds.Tips for summer travelersAl Harthi advises travelers not to rely solely on ticket prices but to carefully review all booking terms, including:Change and cancellation feesRefund eligibilityBaggage allowancesIncluded servicesShe also recommends being flexible with travel dates and flight times to secure better deals.Early booking remains the most effective strategy for obtaining lower prices and more options, especially for families and group travelers.With strong demand expected to continue, airfare prices are likely to remain under pressure throughout the summer, with differences between June and July fares reaching hundreds of dirhams per ticket in some cases.
