HYDERABAD: Despite Christmas and New Year celebrations being more than a month away, airfares for international flights departing from Hyderabad rose significantly for the period of December 21 – January 2, which marks the busiest season for overseas travel.
During the Christmas season, many companies and educational institutions offer holidays from one week to 10 days, leading to heavy international travel demand. Popular destinations include the Dubai Shopping Festival, Singapore’s attractions like Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, X Mas on A Great Street, and the World Christmas Market, as well as Christmas Bazaars in Malaysia, which attract crowds of shoppers. Additionally, Dubai and Thailand host elaborate New Year celebrations that align with the Christmas festivities.
Airfares to popular destinations such as Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, London, Sri Lanka, and Thailand saw prices increase by two to three times the usual rates. For instance, Singapore flights that typically cost Rs 12,000 are priced between Rs 19,000 and Rs 30,000 during December 21 – 24.
Similarly, the cost of airfare from Hyderabad to Dubai went up from the regular Rs 12,000 – Rs 16,000 to Rs 18,000 – Rs 36,000 during December 22 – 24. Flights to London in the first week of January escalated to Rs 1 lakh – Rs 2.4 lakh, whilst the standard fare typically ranges between Rs 40,000 and Rs 50,000.
“During the Christmas season, air ticket prices consistently surge owing to increased passenger demand. Travellers already started reserving flights to Malaysia, Dubai, and Singapore over recent weeks, with fares expected to reach their peak by December 1. The visa-free status of Thailand and Malaysia is also attracting many tourists. Additionally, Dubai also expedites its visa processing during the Christmas period,” said Moez Meghani, Founder, Max Travel.
“Most of the flights to Gulf countries like Dubai, Muscat, and Doha are full during Christmas as many families go to these destinations for short trips for one week. Even employees utilise some holidays and also take leaves and go to these countries. In fact, December is one of the peak seasons for international travel.
“International travel peaks during Christmas, particularly to Gulf destinations such as Dubai, Muscat, and Doha, with flights operating at full capacity. Many families opt for week-long holidays to these locations. Working professionals combine their annual leave with public holidays to visit these nations. The month of December traditionally experiences high volumes of overseas travel,” said Abdul Majeed Faheem, Chairman of the Travel Agents Federation of India (Telangana and AP Chapter).
