Many airlines saw in 2019 with discounted fares, offering savings of up to 50 per cent. If you missed the boat – or, rather the plane – on those deals you’ve got another chance to grab a bargain.
Four airlines announced promotional fares to help people celebrate some of the world’s biggest spring events and festivals.
Whether you're marking India’s Holi festival, Easter traditions in the Philippines, or you want a few days for a romantic Valentine's Day trip, there are plenty of bargains to be bagged.
Emirates
Book flights with Emirates before February 28 and you can fly to Manila from Dh1,855. There are also special offers on fares to Clark and Cebu, so long as you fly before May 25. Although all routes feature increased baggage allowances, those flying to Manila get the most, with a generous 45 kilogram check-in allowance at no extra cost. Now all you need to do is decide if you use it for taking home presents or bringing back souvenirs (or both).
If the Indian festival of Holi is more your thing, you can get special fares from now until May 31 to the sub-continent. Head to Mumbai, Chennai or Thiruvananthapuram with fares starting at Dh825, leaving you plenty of leftover spending money to enjoy the colourful festival.
Other routes that have discounted fares include Dubai to Colombo for Dh1,195 and Bangkok for less than Dh2,000, if you travel by May 31, which just happens to align perfectly with Thailand's Songkran festival in April. Just make sure you book before February 14.
Air France
Air France has its Oh La La sale running until February 19, with discounted fares on flights from Dubai to various destinations in Europe.
Fancy checking out Italy’s springtime Festa della Primavera? You can get fares from Dubai to Rome for Dh1,600. Or perhaps you want to see daffodil season in the UK? Fly to London for Dh1,800. There are also slashed Premium Economy fares to Dublin (remember St Patrick's Day is on March 17) and to Madrid (go in May for back-to-back festivals) for Dh3,000.
For all destinations, travel must take place before July 31 and you need to book a minimum three-night stay to get the discounted seats.
Air Arabia
Thinking of a romantic getaway? This Sharjah-based airline has got you covered. First up, they've got some great fares to Casablanca. Starting at Dh1,912 return, the downside is there's a stop in Istanbul, but it's a short layover and a great excuse to tick Morocco's most romantic city off your to list. You need to travel before the end of February, though.
Fairy-tale Prague is another Valentine’s Day favourite. Book from now until the end of March and travel before March 31 to get return fares to the City of a Hundred Spires for Dh1,339.
For something a bit closer to home, a weekend in Salalah’s palm-fringed beaches might be a good pick for romance. You can find return fares to Oman’s coastal retreat for only Dh725 when you travel before March 31.
SriLankan Airlines
Every April, the Sun Festival takes place in Sri Lanka, and people take to the streets to celebrate New Year. Join in the fun with discounted fares to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines, where a one-way ticket presently costs Dh620. You can travel any time from now until May 28 and, if you fly before March 31, you'll also get 50 kilograms of check-in baggage allowance free of charge.
They’ve also got discounted flights to India if you’re heading home for Holi, with one-way flights to Chennai, Cochin and Hyderabad for Dh520.
