UAE residents now have more budget-friendly travel options as low-cost airlines expand their networks to popular destinations in Western Europe and Southeast Asia.
Travel experts note that both Emirati and expat families are increasingly opting for budget travel, allowing them to save money that can be spent on accommodations and experiences.
Several UAE-based budget airlines, including Air Arabia, Flydubai, Air Arabia Abu Dhabi, and Wizz Air, have introduced numerous new routes, offering travelers the chance to explore new destinations.
These carriers are expanding their fleets, enabling them to serve destinations beyond a five-hour flight radius, such as the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, Georgia, Armenia, and more.
In December 2024, Air Arabia will launch its service to Vienna, Austria, with one-way tickets starting at just Dh399. The Sharjah-based airline has also introduced flights to Athens, Greece; Krakow, Poland; and Phuket, Thailand.
Flydubai offers flights to Greek cities Corfu and Santorini, as well as Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Olbia, Italy. Other low-cost airlines are also adding new destinations that are not typically served by full-service airlines.
UAE residents can book return tickets to European destinations on budget carriers for less than Dh1,977 without baggage and Dh2,140 with a 20kg baggage allowance, compared to Dh3,500 on full-service airlines. Additionally, Oman’s low-cost carrier Salam Air offers connecting flights that UAE residents can take advantage of.
According to aviation consultancy OAG, low-cost carriers in the Middle East increased their market share by one percent in July 2024, reaching 28 percent. Flyadeal, Air Arabia, Flydubai, and Jazeera Airways have all experienced steady growth, ranging from 5-7 percent year-on-year.
Raheesh Babu, COO of musafir.com, highlighted that the introduction of new and previously unserved destinations by low-cost carriers is providing UAE travelers with more cost-effective options. “There will be price benefits, and families will have more choices for their holiday trips to popular European and Asian tourist destinations,” he said.
Mir Wasim Raja, manager for MICE and holidays at Galadari International Travel Services, noted that many UAE residents are choosing low-cost carriers because cheaper airfares allow them to spend more on experiences and better-quality hotels.
“Residents used to cancel their travel plans to popular tourist destinations due to budget constraints. Now, low-cost carriers are serving many new destinations. People are willing to fly with budget carriers and spend the savings on high-end hotels and experiences,” he explained.
Shamsheed CV, senior consultant for outbound travel operations at Wisefox Tourism, added that the introduction of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has been a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers. “Families and young people are now flying in groups and preferring budget carriers for long-haul destinations due to affordability.”
By choosing low-cost carriers, UAE travelers can save between Dh1,000 to Dh1,500 per person on popular routes such as Vienna and Phuket, translating to a savings of around 40 percent on travel tickets. Raheesh Babu emphasized that families could easily save 30 to 35 percent on long-haul trips with budget airlines.
“Demand for budget carriers for these spots is strong and growing. Middle-class families, who previously traveled within a three-to-four hour radius due to budget constraints, can now visit popular tourist destinations beyond a five-hour flight radius at the same cost,” he said.
