UAE residents now have more affordable options for new tourist destinations as budget airlines expand their networks to popular spots in Western Europe and Southeast Asia. Industry insiders note that both Emirati and expat families are increasingly choosing budget travel to save money, which they can then spend on hotels and travel experiences.
Low-cost airlines in the UAE, including Air Arabia, Flydubai, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air, have added numerous new destinations, allowing travellers to explore previously unaffordable places. These airlines are expanding their fleets to serve destinations beyond a five-hour travel radius, such as the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Georgia, and Armenia.
For example, Air Arabia will start flights to Vienna, Austria, in December 2024, with one-way tickets priced at just Dh399. The airline also flies to Athens (Greece), Krakow (Poland), and Phuket (Thailand). Flydubai offers flights to Greek cities like Corfu and Santorini, as well as Dubrovnik (Croatia) and Olbia (Italy). Return tickets to European destinations on budget airlines can be booked for under Dh1,977 for no baggage and Dh2,140 with a 20kg baggage allowance, compared to Dh3,500 on a full-service airline. Regionally, Oman’s Salam Air also offers connecting flights beneficial to UAE residents.
According to aviation consultancy OAG, low-cost carriers in the Middle East have increased their market share by 1% in July 2024, up to 28%. Flyadeal, Air Arabia, Flydubai, and Jazeera Airways are all experiencing steady growth. Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, states that these new and unserved destinations provide UAE travellers with more cost-effective options.
Mir Wasim Raja, manager for MICE and holidays at Galadari International Travel Services, highlights that many UAE residents now prefer low-cost carriers to save on airfare and spend more on experiences and better-quality hotels. Previously, such destinations were beyond their budgets, but now, with affordable fares, travellers are opting for budget airlines for six-hour flights and spending more on luxury experiences at their destinations.
The introduction of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has been a game-changer, especially for budget-conscious travellers, according to Shamsheed CV, senior consultant for outbound travel operations at Wisefox Tourism. He notes that families and young people now prefer budget carriers for long-haul destinations due to the affordability factor.
Overall, low-cost carriers offer airfares around Dh1,000 to Dh1,500 less than full-service carriers to popular destinations like Vienna and Phuket, saving UAE travellers approximately 40% per person. Babu adds that families can save 30 to 35% on long-haul trips, thanks to budget airlines expanding their reach to popular tourist destinations beyond a five-hour flight radius.