Airfare prices to some of the most in-demand Arab destinations have fallen sharply, reaching their lowest levels since October last year, starting from the second week of January, according to travel agency executives. The decline comes after the peak travel season in December, with ticket prices dropping by more than 50% compared to last month’s highs.

Industry experts noted that January and February present a prime opportunity for travelers to secure significantly lower fares, whether for leisure, family visits, or even business travel. Current expectations suggest that these reduced price levels will continue until at least the end of February, before gradually increasing as the Eid Al Fitr holiday and the spring school break approach.

The destinations experiencing the most notable price corrections include Damascus, Beirut, Amman, Cairo, Alexandria, and Casablanca — all of which remain highly popular among UAE residents, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Post-Peak Price Correction

Salah Mansour, Executive Director of STS at Dubai Link Group, explained that the market entered a natural price correction phase from the second week of January, following the end of the peak season that extended through December 2025 and early January 2026. He attributed the drop to the return from holidays and the conclusion of the first academic term break, which led to a normalization in travel demand.

Mansour confirmed that current fares are the lowest seen since October, with some destinations now priced at nearly half their December levels. He also highlighted that increased airline capacity during the winter season has intensified competition, further driving prices down.

Market Balance and Booking Opportunities

Meanwhile, Amin Al Awadhi, General Manager of Al Awadhi Travels, described the current market conditions as typical for this time of year. He explained that the sharp contrast between December’s peak prices and January’s rates gives the impression of a steep decline, while in reality, fares have simply returned to their natural levels.

He added that destinations heavily dependent on seasonal and family travel were the most affected by the correction, whereas long-haul destinations maintained relatively stable pricing. Airlines, he said, are now relying on flexible pricing strategies and short-term promotions to stimulate demand during the post-peak period.

A Valuable Opportunity for Travelers

Badr Ahli, Executive Director of Dubai World Travels, described current airfare levels as a “valuable opportunity” for travelers, particularly those with flexible schedules. He noted growing interest from travelers who are rebooking trips previously postponed due to high end-of-year prices.

Ahli advised travelers to monitor airline offers closely, take advantage of flexible travel dates, and book early to maximize savings. While prices are expected to rise again with upcoming holiday seasons, he stressed that increases are unlikely to match December’s intensity, emphasizing that late bookings remain the most expensive option.