UAE Families Could Save Nearly AED 2,000 On Summer Flights By Choosing The Right Week, Skyscanner Data Reveals

A family of four travelling from the UAE could save up to AED 1,949 on return flights to one of this summer’s most popular destinations simply by choosing the cheapest week to travel, according to Skyscanner’s latest summer travel insights.

The findings come as almost half (47%) of UAE travellers say they have yet to book their summer holidays and are still actively looking. For families navigating fluctuating airfares, fixed school holidays and increasingly complex travel plans, comparing different departure dates could make a significant difference to the overall cost of a trip.

Skyscanner’s analysis of flight prices for the most popular summer destinations among UAE travellers found that the week commencing 31 August is the cheapest week of the summer to fly overall. This challenges the assumptions of many travellers, with more than half (52%) believing that July offers the cheapest summer flights.

While travelling later in the season may not be possible for everyone, the findings show the value of checking a broader range of dates before booking. Even moving a trip by one or two weeks could unlock meaningful savings, particularly for families purchasing several tickets.

The right week could save a family nearly AED 2,000

Cairo offers one of the largest potentials saving among the five most popular destinations analysed. Average return flights are priced at approximately AED 1,592 per traveller, compared with AED 1,105 during the cheapest week commencing 17 August. This represents a saving of approximately AED 487 per person, or AED 1,949 for a family of four. Meanwhile, travellers heading to Tokyo can also unlock significant savings by flying during the week commencing 31 August, when return fares average AED 1,686, compared with the average summer fare of AED 2,209. This translates to a saving of approximately AED 522 per traveller, or AED 2,088 for a family of four.

Popular summer destinations and potential flight savings

The data demonstrates that there is no single cheapest period for every destination. Although 31 August offers the best overall value for summer flights, the lowest-priced week varies by route. Travellers considering Cairo, Tokyo or Denpasar may find better value in August, making destination-specific comparisons essential.

This flexibility could be particularly valuable as UAE travellers estimate spending an average of AED 1,433 per person on flights for an overseas summer holiday. However, only 33% say they have flexibility around when they can take their summer break, while 27% report that school holidays or other commitments restrict their travel dates.

With 17% of UAE travellers citing fixed travel dates and uncertainty around routes as key planning challenges, Skyscanner’s insights show that even small adjustments to travel timing can unlock meaningful savings. Comparing fares across different weeks allows travellers to make more informed booking decisions and maximise value without changing their preferred destination.

Ayoub El Mamoun, Travel Expert at Skyscanner, said: “Summer travel planning has become increasingly complex, particularly for families balancing school calendars, budgets and changing flight prices. Our data shows that travellers do not necessarily need to compromise on their preferred destination to find better value. Checking a wider range of dates and comparing the cheapest weeks can uncover substantial savings, which can then be put towards accommodation, experiences or simply making the overall holiday more affordable.”

Travellers are encouraged to compare live fares before booking, as prices can change based on availability and demand. Remaining flexible where possible, checking prices regularly and reviewing fares across an entire month can help UAE travellers make more informed decisions and maximise the value of their summer holidays.