DXB Gears Up for Record-Breaking Holiday Travel—How to Beat the Rush and Save Big on Flights This December Across UAE!

Published on December 11, 2025

Dubai International Airport (DXB) is preparing for what is expected to be its busiest travel day of the year, with passenger numbers anticipated to reach a peak of 303,000 on Saturday, December 20, just days ahead of Christmas. The year-end travel rush, which began on November 27 and will continue through December 31, is set to welcome over 10 million passengers. DXB forecasts a record-breaking 8.7 million passengers will pass through its terminals in December alone, marking a significant increase in travel volume during the festive season.

As airlines, hotels, and travel platforms report higher demand, especially for popular routes to destinations like the UK, India, Egypt, and key locations across Europe and the GCC, travelers heading to Dubai’s international hub are advised to plan ahead. For UAE residents still finalizing their winter travel plans, the timing of their bookings over the next few days will significantly influence how much they pay for flights and accommodations.

Tips for Booking Flights During Peak Travel Season

As demand for flights surges, economy-class fares have already surpassed off-peak levels, and prices are expected to rise as the peak travel days approach. Popular routes to cities like London, Mumbai, Cairo, and Manchester typically experience strong demand during the school holidays and festive periods, causing the remaining seats to become more expensive. However, there are strategies that can help travelers secure better fares:

1. Book Early: Travelers with fixed travel dates and families traveling together should aim to book flights sooner rather than later. This helps avoid the higher prices of last-minute fares, which often come with limited availability.
2. Be Flexible: For those with more flexible schedules, shifting the departure date by a day or opting for overnight or very early-morning flights can still offer better value than the more expensive peak-day flights. Choosing a departure time outside of the busiest hours can often result in lower fares.
3. Consider Alternative Airports: When possible, looking at alternative airports nearby—such as different airports in London or opting for flights via a hub instead of direct flights—can open up more affordable fare options.

Despite these alternatives, as the peak travel days draw closer, even these flexible options are likely to become limited, making early booking a more strategic choice.

Accommodation Tips for Holiday Travelers

While flights may be more challenging to secure at lower prices, there are still ways to find accommodation deals. Short-haul destinations are still showing availability across various price ranges, and many properties offer free cancellationor pay-later options, giving travelers more flexibility. Here are some tips for those looking for accommodation:

1. Keep Options Open: If flights have already been secured but accommodation choices are still up in the air, booking a cancellable hotel option now is a good strategy. Travelers can continue to monitor prices as the departure date approaches, potentially catching a price drop.
2. Last-Minute Promotions: In some cases, last-minute discounts on hotels or tours can appear when properties adjust to actual occupancy. If there’s available capacity, platforms may offer promotions, making it possible to book deals closer to departure.
3. Book Early for High-Capacity Experiences: For experiences that have multiple time slots or general capacity, such as city tours or theme park admissions, waiting to book does not carry the same risk as waiting for flight reservations. These experiences are generally less likely to sell out, so waiting to book them closer to the travel date can be a viable option.

However, for specialized or limited-capacity experiences, early booking is often required to secure a spot. Travelers interested in exclusive or high-demand activities should plan ahead to ensure availability.

Planning for Airport Services

As the busiest travel period approaches, additional services at DXB are in higher demand. These services, such as airport parking, lounge access, and fast-track security, can add convenience but also costs. For travelers looking to ease their journey through the airport, here are a few things to consider:

1. Pre-book Airport Parking: Pre-booking airport parking is often cheaper than paying on the day and can also ensure a spot, especially when parking spaces fill up during peak travel times.
2. Lounge Access and Fast-Track Services: Lounge access and fast-track security services are in higher demand during busy periods. To secure a spot, it’s advisable to make reservations ahead of time. These services can save time and reduce stress, especially for families, elderly passengers, or those traveling with large amounts of luggage.
3. Consider Meet-and-Greet Services: For travelers with young children, elderly passengers, or special needs, meet-and-greet services can be invaluable. These services help passengers navigate through the airport more efficiently, avoiding long queues and ensuring a smoother experience.

For those who are flexible with their timing and comfortable navigating through busy terminals, last-minute availability for these services may still be possible. However, travelers should be aware that the closer to departure they get, the less likely it is to find available slots.

Final Travel Considerations for Peak Travel Days

As Dubai International Airport prepares for its peak travel days, it is essential for travelers to be proactive in their planning. From booking flights early to securing accommodations and airport services in advance, planning ahead can help reduce stress and avoid high costs. With over 10 million passengers expected to pass through DXB during this travel period, being prepared will ensure a smoother journey.

For those planning to travel during the holiday season, particularly UAE residents looking to enjoy a winter break, the timing of flight and accommodation bookings will play a critical role in both cost and convenience. With a little flexibility and strategic planning, travelers can navigate the busy period and make the most of their holiday travel.