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Travel agency expects India-Pakistan cricket match to boost current demand
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In the last week of August, airfares have more than quadrupled their normal prices. This is due to unusually heavy inbound traffic from major destinations such as India, Pakistan, the UK and Egypt.
Many expat families and individuals travel to their home countries for vacation during the summer. Inbound traffic surged in the final weeks of August ahead of the reopening of schools in the UAE.
Travel agents expect the upcoming India-Pakistan cricket match of the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates to boost inbound traffic in the final week of the month, while business travel will also remain strong.
“Airfares vary by airline and route. But on average, airfares in the last week of August are up fourfold compared to normal days. The Indian subcontinent is the main region with the highest traffic and airfares this time around. In Europe On the route, it is mainly high-end people who are on vacation and business and return at the end of the month. But the traffic on the Nepal route is a bit low,” said TP Sudheesh, general manager of Deira Tours and Travels.
He said many flights had previously been sold out because nearly all families and residents had purchased return tickets in advance.
“People know when schools will reopen at the end of August. Not only students, families and non-faculty staff, but most of the other residents have pre-booked their seats. With very high demand and limited seats, ticket prices have gone up a lot, ” Sudheesh added.
The UAE has seen very high passenger numbers this year as travel sentiment is boosted by the easing of Covid-19 restrictions after two years.
He added that in the last week of August, most of the direct flights to the UAE from popular destinations such as India, Pakistan and the UK were sold out. “Even indirect flights from neighbouring countries have encountered heavy traffic and some Gulf flights have been sold out.”
Sudheesh noted that demand was quite strong due to the influx of job seekers, group travelers and businessmen. He expects the Asian Cup, which starts later this month, to further boost demand for inbound traffic.
Raja Mir Wasim, manager of Galadari International Travel Services, said demand in October was looking very strong during the Durga Puja Hindu festival.
“There were a lot of inquiries in the first week of October. Also, foot traffic from the Indian subcontinent will pick up in the last week of August from cricket enthusiasts who come to watch India-Pakistan cricket matches. Partners and staff watch cricket and corporate travel will increase,” Wasim added.
Tickets for the Asian Cup went on sale on Monday afternoon, and the first batch of tickets sold out within hours.
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