New Year travel deal: UAE flights to a hot destination start at Dh114

Air ticket prices from the UAE are expected to ease noticeably on January 1, offering both residents and visitors an opportunity to travel abroad at significantly lower costs immediately after New Year celebrations conclude.

An analysis by Insider18, based on data from the travel booking platform makemytrip.com, shows that fares to several well-known international destinations decline sharply on the first day of the year when compared to the elevated prices seen during the peak holiday period. This temporary dip creates a brief window for travellers seeking budget-friendly options once the festive rush slows down.

One of the most striking reductions is observed on flights from Abu Dhabi to Beirut. On January 1, ticket prices on this route start from as low as Dh114. In contrast, fares during the busy holiday season currently exceed Dh700. Prices on this route are expected to climb again after January 3, as travel demand begins to normalise.

Several other routes are also witnessing notable price cuts. Flights from Dubai to Kochi, which are currently priced at around Dh870, are set to fall to approximately Dh694 on January 1. Similarly, airfares from Dubai to Cairo, now averaging about Dh620, are expected to drop to nearly Dh470 on the same day. Another significant decrease is seen on flights between Dubai and Tbilisi. Tickets on this route, which are currently as high as Dh1,259, are projected to decline sharply to around Dh563.

Travel industry professionals note that this pattern is a familiar one and tends to occur every year following New Year celebrations. According to them, January 1 is traditionally one of the quietest travel days, as most people prefer to stay home after late-night festivities rather than head to the airport.

“January 1 usually sees very low travel activity,” said Subair Thekepurathvalappil, Senior Manager at Wisefox Tourism. “People celebrate New Year’s Eve late into the night and often choose to rest the next day. Because fewer travellers are flying on January 1, airlines lower fares to stimulate demand.”

He explained that the trend is also closely tied to seasonal travel behaviour in the UAE. During December, particularly around Christmas and New Year, inbound travel to the country increases significantly, while outbound journeys decline.

“During the festive season, more people are travelling into the UAE rather than leaving,” Subair said. “Many residents prefer to celebrate New Year locally instead of going abroad. Dubai, in particular, becomes a major global attraction in December, which slows outbound travel.”

He added that tourist arrivals into the UAE continue to rise during this period, while the number of departures drops. Another contributing factor is that some travellers may be nearing the limits of their visit visa allowances, prompting them to stay within the country rather than travel overseas.

“Tourist numbers are increasing day by day, and some travellers are also running low on visit visa days,” he explained. “As a result, many people choose to remain in the UAE during the New Year period instead of flying out.”

Travel consultants have also pointed out that the fare reductions seen on January 1 are typically short-lived. Prices often rebound quickly as normal travel patterns resume within a day or two.

“January 1 can sometimes offer cheaper fares simply because fewer people are flying that day,” said Pavan Poojary, a travel consultant at Luxury Travels. “However, this dip doesn’t last long. Once January 2 or 3 arrives, ticket prices usually start climbing again.”

He added that travellers who are flexible with their schedules can benefit from this brief pricing window. “It’s a limited opportunity for people looking to save on airfare. As soon as regular travel demand returns after New Year, prices go back to standard levels,” he said.

For passengers who can adjust their travel dates, January 1 presents a valuable chance to secure discounted flights, particularly to destinations across the Middle East, South Asia, and the Caucasus region. Industry experts recommend booking early and remaining flexible, as availability at lower prices can change quickly.

Overall, while the holiday season is typically associated with high travel costs, the immediate post-New Year period offers a rare break from expensive airfares. Travellers willing to fly on January 1 may find themselves rewarded with substantial savings before demand and prices rise again.