Air tickets fall by 30% as holiday season ends

Air tickets get cheaper with the end of holiday season. Most destinations in the Middle East, East Asia and Europe have witnessed a 20-30 per cent decline in ticket fares. Sources in the tourism industry say this is natural for this time of the year, when airlines offer cheaper rates. However, this is a temporary phase - for about two months - and then prices will revert to the original rates when Eid Al Adha approaches. Agents advise travellers to book tickets in advance and avail offers. Ticket prices soar upto 50 per cent during the holiday season according to a report in 'Al Khaleej'. The fall is not only due to the reduced ticket prices but also competition in the launch offers given by different airlines to keep up the occupancy rates. Saeed Al Abedi, Head of Al Abedi Holding Group, said: “The period following the beginning of school will be for travel sector. This is when major European companies make attractive and alluring offers to attract travellers." Al Abedi said, “The airlines have begun offering reduced classes on the market, the difference in price to the same classes may in some cases up to 2000 dirhams". On the other hand Riyadh Al-Faisal, Director General of Al Majid Travel said: “The ticket prices will depend on supply and demand'. He said during such calmer periods, the market will witness less demand prompting airlines to launch special price. Many airlines are offering reduced prices. RAK Airways ran a campaign for reduced fares until September 18. Fly Dubai is offering discounts of up to 20 per cent on most of its travel destinations from October 1, 2011 until March 28, 2012. The starting price for a round-trip ticket to Doha will be Dh550; Jeddah Dh799; Cairo and Calicut Dh899; to Dhaka and Chittagong Dh999.