Schools across the UAE can look forward to an extended nine-day holiday later this month, as the Ministry of Education confirmed that the mid-term and Eid Al Adha break will run from May 25 to 29. With weekends on either side, the academic pause stretches from May 23 to May 31, giving families a rare chance to plan longer holidays before exams begin in June.

But while the break is welcome news, travel experts are warning that airfares are climbing fast. Strong demand, limited flight capacity, and rising fuel costs have pushed ticket prices higher across popular routes. Meanwhile, several airlines around the world are also cutting capacity as jet fuel costs rise, and supplies dwindle.

A look at airfares to popular destinations:

• Flights to Mumbai are around Dh2,000, while Bengaluru stands at Dh2,360.
• •Tickets to Kerala range from Dh2,940 (Kochi) to Dh3,300 (Thiruvananthapuram).
• •Within the GCC, fares remain more affordable, with Riyadh at Dh875 and Muscat at Dh1,100.
• •Long-haul destinations are seeing steep hikes: London at Dh3,840, Zurich at Dh3,760, and New York nearing Dh4,760.

Booking flights? 5 things to know

1. Fuel Prices Drive Fares

Global oil market swings directly impact jet fuel costs, and ticket prices follow.

2. Demand Peaks Around Holidays

Eid, summer, and school breaks are high-demand periods. Waiting usually means higher fares.

3. Early Bookings Lock Prices

Securing tickets in advance helps avoid sudden surges tied to market changes.

4. Flexibility Pays Off

Being open to alternative dates or airports reduces costs when prices spike.

5. Watch Market Trends

Keep an eye on fuel price reports, they’re often a good indicator of airfare movement.

Travel experts advise booking early to avoid further price surges as Eid approaches. They warn that keeping things for later could make a dent in your holiday expenses, given the uncertainty in global fuel supply.

However, those staying closer to home, the extended break offers a long-deserved break before the next school term begins.