Expats planning to go home face major setback, airfares to remain high

ABU DHABI: Many including expatriates, all set to go home in the beginning of the New Year suffers a major setback. Airfares are expected to remain high in the UAE and globally. The increase in the number of travelers is due to the increase in fuel prices, despite the decrease in fuel prices.

The present fuel price is the lowest since 2018. This year, the average price of Brent crude oil is $79 per barrel. Last year, the price was $89 per barrel.

The increase in demand is due to the rise in business meetings, conferences, exhibitions, pleasure trips, and trips back home. Another reason for the increase in ticket prices in the UAE is the rise in the number of new tourists and residents arriving in the UAE, especially in Dubai. It is also observed that air fares may surge further in the coming days due to the increase in demand.

Travel agencies say that ticket prices are likely to increase by 2 to 14 percent due to rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures. They say that tourists are mostly choosing destinations like Dubai, Paris and Sydney, and therefore ticket prices to these destinations may increase further.

The International Air Transport Association said that orders for new aircraft have exceeded 17,000 as a result of increased travel demand. The association also pointed out that this is the largest record in the sector.