As Eid Al Fitr approaches, Emirates Airline is gearing up for a significant influx of travelers with an impressive expansion of its flight operations. Starting from March 26 to April 6, 2025, the airline is set to add 17 extra flights across several key destinations in the Middle East and GCC region, anticipating over 371,000 customers during this bustling holiday period.
The additional flights reflect a responsive strategy to meet the high travel demand that accompanies Eid—a time marked by family reunions and explorations. Emirates plans to enhance connectivity to popular locations such as Jeddah, Kuwait, Dammam, and Amman, facilitating easier travel for families eager to celebrate together or for those looking to embark on new adventures.
The new schedule includes six supplementary flights to and from Amman, five extra flights connecting Dammam to Dubai, four additional flights from Jeddah, and two extra services from Kuwait. Such enhancements not only connect passengers more efficiently but also allow access to a wider range of destinations including popular holiday spots like Thailand’s Bangkok and Phuket, various cities across the UK and US, as well as family-oriented destinations like Mumbai, Karachi, and Cairo.
To celebrate the holiday, Emirates will offer a special Eid menu on select flights departing from Dubai. Passengers can look forward to traditional delicacies highlighted by chicken madhbi, prawn matfi, chicken makloubeh, and mixed grills that include delights like chicken shish taouk and lamb kofta. For dessert, options such as halwa brownie and pistachio cake will certainly add a festive touch to the travel experience.
Travelers will also benefit from Emirates’ extensive entertainment offerings, which boast over 6,500 channels featuring more than 2,000 international films, including 80 Arabic films. The current lineup even includes fresh releases such as "Hassan El Masri" and "Aal Zero." Additional Arabic content available includes popular television series and numerous documentaries, creating a comprehensive entertainment experience suitable for all passengers.
As the airline expects a notable spike in traffic around Eid, particularly before and during peak departure days on March 28-29 and April 5-6, passengers are advised to prepare for busy terminals. Emirates predicts over 80,000 daily passengers at Dubai's Terminal 3, leading the airline to encourage early arrival to the airport—ideally three hours prior to flight time—to mitigate potential delays.
In anticipation of the surge, travelers should consider different check-in methods offered by Emirates to streamline their airport experience. Options include online check-in through the Emirates website or app starting from 48 hours ahead of the flight, as well as physical check-in availability at the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store at ICD Brookfield Place. For travelers residing in northern Emirates, the Ajman Central Bus Terminal allows check-in between 24 and 4 hours before departure.
The airline offers complimentary night-before luggage drop-off and allows early check-in with bags, enhancing convenience for passengers wishing to enjoy their travel experience to the fullest.
The popular Eid holiday also coincides with the conclusion of Ramadan this year, with Eid festivities expected to commence on March 31, 2025, contingent upon the successful sighting of the crescent moon on March 30. Traditionally, this festive holiday marks the end of a month of fasting, reflecting a time of community, family, and reflection among Muslims worldwide.
This year's Eid is anticipated to align with significant travel dynamics as around 90% of UAE residents favor international travel options for their holidays, a significant rise from 60% in the previous year. With the festive break coinciding with a two-week spring holiday, families are eager to take advantage of the opportunity for longer trips.
However, this increase in international travel demand translates to higher flight fares, with costs to popular Ramadan destinations rising sharply. Reports show that fares to Egypt and Lebanon have surged by as much as 42.29% and 40.94% respectively, compared to last year's prices. Surprisingly, Jordan bucks this trend, offering a nearly negligible fare reduction of 1.17%.
The travel industry is bracing for a busy period, with airlines like Emirates strategically adapting to rising traveler numbers by increasing flight frequencies. This shift strongly indicates the evolving landscape of air travel, one that keenly responds to peak holiday periods with heightened demand for international destinations.
As airlines and travelers alike prepare for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holiday, the expansion of Emirates’ flight options reflects not only the airline's proactive approach in meeting customer needs but also the greater trends shaping the travel industry today. As more individuals opt to celebrate Eid abroad, both airlines and travelers will need to navigate this dynamic holiday travel landscape with foresight and flexibility.
