Bali and Malaysia are emerging as strong contenders for UAE travellers this summer despite flight ticket rates rising to their highest levels in two years. The other key holiday destinations in the mix remain Georgia, Armenia and Maldives.

UAE travellers planning a trip to Europe should, however, be ready to show some patience. European Union countries are proving harder to get to with visa appointments for Schengen visa only available in August next, say travel agents. “Only those who booked months ago are now flying to destinations like Paris and Amsterdam,” said Subair Thekkepurath Valappil of Regal Tours.
Airlines have already ramped up capacity on popular routes to tap this ‘pent up’ travel demand. flydubai is having four weekly flights to the Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini from June 24 to September 18, with a one-way ticket at a little over Dh2,000.
The budget airline, which will also operate daily flights to Maldives’ Velana International Airport throughout summer, is charging close to Dh2,800 for a one-way trip to the destination in the last week of June. Emirates flights are seen going for Dh4,500-Dh5,000 during the same period.

Etihad Airways has announced a new European destination this summer with flights to Nice starting Wednesday (June 15). Fares are Dh2,000-Dh2,500.