How Budget Airlines Are Changing the Way UAE Expats Travel
Low-cost carriers open up new travel horizons for expatriates seeking affordable escapes and new destinations
Dubai – Budget airlines have rapidly become the preferred choice for thousands of expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates, revolutionizing the way they plan, book, and experience travel. With routes expanding across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Air Arabia, Wizz Air, Flydubai, and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi are enabling more frequent and affordable getaways for residents across the Emirates.
According to a recent survey, 69% of UAE residents now travel more frequently due to the availability of low-cost airlines, while 63% have used an LCC for leisure travel in the past two years. The shift is especially noticeable among the expatriate community, which makes up nearly 90% of the UAE’s population.
“Budget airlines have removed a significant financial barrier to travel, especially for families and solo travelers who can now plan short-haul and even medium-haul trips without stretching their budgets,” said Rami El-Zein, a Dubai-based travel consultant.
Low-Cost Routes Open Up Global Travel
Low-cost carriers operating from the UAE have opened up direct and affordable connections to numerous destinations across Europe and Asia. Wizz Air, for instance, offers flights to Budapest, Bucharest, and Katowice, often for under AED 300. Flydubai connects Dubai to destinations like Corfu, Santorini, Krabi, Tbilisi, and Baku, while Air Arabia recently launched flights to Vienna from Sharjah at rates starting from AED 399.
Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has also expanded its network to key South Asian cities like Colombo, Kathmandu, and Chennai, creating cheaper alternatives for South Asian expats visiting home or exploring nearby countries.
“These affordable routes are not just about visiting family anymore,” said Meera Menon, a Sharjah-based expat. “Many of us now plan short trips to new places like Georgia, Armenia, or Albania instead of going home every holiday.”
Changing Holiday Trends During Festive Seasons
With ticket prices to home countries often spiking during major holidays, many expats are now choosing to spend Eid, Diwali, or Christmas abroad in budget-friendly destinations. Destinations like Baku, Istanbul, Tbilisi, and Sarajevo have grown increasingly popular for festive getaways.
“We’ve seen a surge in outbound travel to Eastern Europe and Central Asia, especially during long weekends and public holidays,” said Fadi Jaber, manager of a Dubai-based travel agency. “The combination of visa-on-arrival policies and budget airfare makes these trips highly attractive.”
More Families Taking to the Skies
Budget airlines have also fueled a rise in family travel. With airfare no longer a major expense, families are increasingly prioritizing travel as part of their lifestyle. The flexibility and affordability of LCCs have made it easier for parents to travel with children, and even book spontaneous getaways over weekends.
“My family of four flew to Baku for just over AED 1,200,” said Sanjay D’Souza, an Indian expat in Abu Dhabi. “That’s less than what we used to pay for two tickets home.”
Airlines have also adapted to meet demand. Flydubai and Wizz Air now offer additional baggage options, priority boarding, and bundled deals to accommodate family travelers.
Budget Carriers Fuel Travel Industry Growth
The impact of low-cost carriers extends beyond individual travelers. Aviation data provider OAG reports that budget airlines in the Middle East have increased their market share by 1% in July 2024, now accounting for 28% of the region’s air traffic. With over 800 destinations across all continents now served by LCCs, the budget travel sector is expected to grow even more.
Industry experts forecast that by 2026, one in three international leisure trips from the UAE will be booked on a low-cost airline.
As travel continues to rebound post-pandemic and residents seek new experiences without breaking the bank, the rise of budget carriers is not just a trend—it’s a travel movement that is here to stay.