Air travellers between the UAE and India are seeing substantial price reductions following the December peak season, with Economy fares falling below Dh1,000 to major cities. However, passengers heading to smaller Indian destinations should prepare for higher costs.
Major City Price Drops
Current fares to primary destinations show remarkable decreases:
- Mumbai: Dh753
- Delhi: Dh900
- Bengaluru: Dh1,158
These prices mark an 80% reduction from December’s peak rates, which exceeded Dh2,500.
Tier-2 Destination Costs
Smaller city destinations maintain higher prices:
- Jaipur: Dh1,583
- Varanasi: Dh1,755
- Indore: Dh1,235
- Kolkata: Dh1,480
- Nagpur: Dh1,385
- Goa: Dh1,286
Why the Price Difference?
The higher costs for tier-2 cities stem from:
- Limited flight options
- Reduced service frequency (1-2 flights daily)
- Fewer operating airlines
- Budget carrier dominance
Southern India Travel Costs
Southern destinations maintain moderate pricing:
- Kochi: Dh1,125
- Mangalore: Dh1,380
- Chennai: Dh1,086
Future Price Outlook
Industry indicators suggest sustained high prices through 2025 due to:
- Strong passenger numbers
- Reduced aircraft deliveries
- Record 17,000 aircraft order backlog
- Extended delivery timelines
Travel Planning Tips
- Book February-March travel now for best rates
- Consider major cities for budget-friendly options
- Plan tier-2 city trips well in advance
- Watch for weekend premium pricing
- Compare different carriers and routes
According to Rashid Abbas from Arooha Travels, “Even last-minute weekend trips (January 24-28) offer reasonable rates at Dh850 to Mumbai and Dh1,125 to Kochi.”
Data sourced from travel industry experts and IATA projections.





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