Pakistan Vs India in Dubai: Airfares set to increase by 50 pc

ABU DHABI: Dubai’s travel industry is gearing up for a last-minute rush in flight and hotel bookings as the highly anticipated Pakistan-India ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match on February 23 approaches.

With only a few weeks left, travel agencies report a steady increase in demand but expect a booking frenzy in the final stretch, a pattern seen in previous high-profile cricket matches, according to The Khaleej Times.

AIRFARE AND HOTEL RATES SET TO RISE

Industry experts predict a steep surge in bookings as cricket fans from Pakistan, India, and other nations finalise their travel plans. Airfares could spike by 20-50 per cent, with last-minute fares potentially doubling.

Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, highlighted a massive increase in accommodation searches during past India-Pakistan matches, citing Ahmedabad’s 1,550 per cent spike during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. He expects a similar surge in Dubai.

Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, echoed this, noting that while bookings are gradually increasing, the real rush happens in the final two weeks before the match. Delaying bookings could lead to fewer options and soaring prices.

HIGH DEMAND FROM CRICKET HOTSPOTS

Major departure cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad in India, along with Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in Pakistan. Fans from the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are also fueling demand.

Dubai’s hospitality sector is already feeling the impact. Hotels in Deira, Downtown, and Dubai Marina report high occupancy rates, with peak demand expected closer to match day. Budget hotels are filling up fast, while luxury properties on Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road are witnessing a rise in premium bookings.

Pittie noted that during past Pakistan-India matches, hotel prices in Dubai surged by 25-50 per cent, in some cases even tenfold. Short-term rentals and Airbnb listings are also experiencing a sharp rise in demand.

With the expected influx of travellers, airlines may increase flights or deploy larger aircraft. Travel agencies are introducing packages that combine flights, hotels, and match tickets.

In previous tournaments, India-Dubai travel packages were priced at around $2,500 (Dh9,175) for 4-star hotel stays, and similar trends are expected this time.

Luxury hospitality services are also offering premium match-day experiences, including exclusive screenings, themed menus, and entertainment.

With rising fares and limited hotel availability, travel companies are urging fans to book early. “Waiting until the last moment will mean significantly higher prices and fewer choices,” Babu cautioned.

As excitement builds, the next few weeks will be crucial for securing the best deals before the inevitable last-minute rush.

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