Major Discounts on Eid Al Adha Travel from Emirates and Etihad

Key Takeaways

• Emirates adds 46 extra flights for Eid Al Adha 2025, including 33 for Hajj pilgrims to Jeddah and Medina.
• Airlines like Etihad and Air Arabia offer deep discounts and flexible payment plans until June 2, 2025.
• Eid Al Adha travel season starts June 5-6 with public holidays through June 8-9, attracting religious and leisure travelers.

As the Eid Al Adha holiday approaches in 2025, travelers across the Middle East are witnessing a surge in airline deals and special offers, with Emirates and Etihad leading the charge. These flagship carriers, along with several budget airlines, are rolling out deep discounts, flexible payment plans, and extra flights to meet the soaring demand for both religious and leisure travel. The result is one of the most competitive and affordable Eid travel seasons in recent memory, with implications for travelers, airlines, and the broader travel market.

Unprecedented Discounts and Expanded Flights for Eid Al Adha

Who is offering the deals?
Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, and Saudia are all participating in this year’s price war. The most notable moves come from Emirates and Etihad, which are both offering major discounts and special travel packages for Eid Al Adha 2025.

What’s happening?
Emirates has announced 46 additional flights for the Eid and Hajj period, including 33 special flights to Jeddah and Medina for pilgrims and 13 extra flights to regional destinations such as Amman, Dammam, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Etihad and other UAE-based carriers are matching these efforts with their own discounted fares and exclusive promotions.

When and where?
The Eid Al Adha holiday is projected to fall on Friday, June 6, 2025, with public holidays expected from June 5 or 6 through June 8 or 9, depending on moon sightings. The deals cover a wide range of destinations, from Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 and Oman 🇴🇲 to India 🇮🇳, Egypt 🇪🇬, and even further afield.

Why now?
Eid Al Adha is one of the busiest travel periods in the region, with families reuniting, pilgrims heading to Mecca, and leisure travelers seeking short getaways. Airlines are competing fiercely to capture market share during this peak season, driving prices down and adding capacity to meet demand.

How can travelers benefit?
By booking early and taking advantage of the special offers, travelers can secure some of the lowest fares seen in years, along with flexible payment options and added perks.

Key Offers and Booking Deadlines

Emirates: More Flights, Flexible Payments, and Special Discounts

• Additional Flights: Emirates is adding 46 flights for Eid Al Adha, including 33 for Hajj pilgrims to Jeddah and Medina, and 13 to regional cities like Amman, Dammam, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
• Flexible Payment Plans: The “Fly Now, Pay Later” scheme allows eligible UAE credit card holders to pay for tickets in three interest-free monthly installments.
• Exclusive Discounts: Emirates RED is offering a 10% discount on duty-free purchases during Eid Al Adha with the code ‘REDMAG’.
• Expanded Services: Nearly 32,000 Hajj passengers are expected to travel with Emirates over the next three weeks, with tailored services for pilgrims and enhanced entertainment and dining options for all travelers.

Etihad and Other UAE Carriers: Deep Discounts and Aggressive Promotions

• Etihad: Matching Emirates with deep fare cuts and flexible payment plans, targeting both regional and international travelers.
• Air Arabia: One-way fares start at just Dh129 to Oman, with similar low fares to Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia (Dh149), and Dh199 to Iran, Jordan, and Lebanon. Destinations like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, India, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and Qatar are available for Dh299. These deals are valid for bookings until June 2 for travel between June 1 and September 30.
• Saudia: The “Buy One, Get One Free” promotion on selected domestic and regional round-trip Guest Class (Saver) tickets is bookable from May 25 to May 28, 2025, for travel between July 1 and August 31, 2025, using the promo code BUY1Get1.

Booking Procedures: Step by Step

1. Select Airline and Destination: Choose from Emirates, Etihad, Air Arabia, flydubai, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, or Saudia, depending on your preferred route and budget.
2. Check Promotional Offers: Visit the airline’s official website or contact authorized travel agents for current deals and promo codes (e.g., ‘REDMAG’ for Emirates RED, ‘BUY1Get1’ for Saudia).
3. Book Within Deadlines: Make sure to book before the specified cut-off dates (e.g., June 2 for Air Arabia, May 28 for Saudia) to secure the best fares.
4. Choose Payment Option: For Emirates, eligible UAE credit card holders can opt for the “Fly Now, Pay Later” plan.
5. Complete Booking: Finalize your payment and receive confirmation. For Hajj pilgrims, Emirates provides extra support and amenities upon arrival in Dubai.

For more details on travel requirements and visa information, travelers can consult the UAE government’s official travel advice page.

The Impact on Travelers

Affordability:
The abundance of discounted fares and flexible payment options makes Eid Al Adha 2025 one of the most affordable periods for regional and international travel from the UAE in recent years. Even though fares are 35-40% higher than off-peak periods, last-minute deals are still available, especially for those who are flexible with their dates and destinations.

Accessibility:
With more flights and expanded routes, travelers have greater choice and flexibility. Emirates’ additional flights are specifically timed to accommodate both Hajj pilgrims and leisure travelers, making it easier for families and individuals to plan their trips.

Special Perks:
Emirates is offering special Eid menus, entertainment, and Hajj kits for pilgrims. The 10% discount on duty-free purchases adds extra value for those looking to shop during their journey.

Visa and Immigration Considerations:
Travelers heading to destinations that require visas, such as Europe’s Schengen Area, are advised to apply early due to high demand. According to travel agents like Kunaal Nanik of Marcopolo Holidays, those who secure their visas early are opting for longer, more planned trips, with Europe and the Balkans as top destinations.

The Airlines’ Perspective: Competition and Capacity

Market Share Battle:
The price war and expanded capacity reflect a strategic push by airlines to capture bookings during a peak travel season. Both premium and budget carriers are vying for travelers’ attention, driving prices down and offering more choices.

Financial Implications:
While consumers benefit from lower prices, the intense competition may squeeze airline profit margins, especially for budget carriers. Airlines are betting that increased volume will offset lower fares.

Customer Experience:
Emirates and Etihad are emphasizing customer experience, with tailored services for Hajj pilgrims and enhanced amenities for all passengers. This focus on service is designed to build loyalty and encourage repeat bookings in the future.

Travel Agents and Industry Experts: Trends and Advice

Booking Trends:
Travel agents report a surge in early bookings and a shift toward longer, more planned trips. Price and visa accessibility are key decision factors for many travelers. Short regional getaways remain popular, but there is also strong demand for international trips, especially among those who have secured visas early.

Expert Advice:
Industry experts recommend booking as early as possible to secure the best fares and ensure availability, especially for high-demand destinations. Flexibility with travel dates and destinations can also help travelers find better deals.

Last-Minute Deals:
While early booking is advised, last-minute deals may still be available, particularly for those who are open to different destinations or travel dates.

Historical Context: Eid Al Adha Travel in the Middle East

Eid Al Adha has long been one of the busiest travel periods in the Middle East. Airlines have traditionally offered special deals to accommodate both religious pilgrims and leisure travelers. What sets 2025 apart is the scale of the discounts, the breadth of destinations, and the introduction of innovative payment options like Emirates’ “Fly Now, Pay Later” scheme.

The post-pandemic recovery has also played a role, with airlines eager to rebuild market share and encourage people to travel again. The heightened competition among carriers is a sign of a healthy, dynamic market that benefits consumers.

Future Outlook: What to Expect Next

Continued Promotions:
As Eid Al Adha approaches, travelers can expect further promotions, especially if seats remain unsold. Airlines may extend booking windows or add more flights if demand continues to surge.

Long-Term Changes:
The success of flexible payment plans and aggressive pricing may set a new standard for future holiday travel periods in the region. Travelers may come to expect more deals and greater flexibility, while airlines will need to balance affordability with profitability.

Advice for Travelers:
– Act Quickly: The best fares and packages are likely to sell out fast, especially for popular destinations.
– Check Visa Requirements: Make sure all visa and travel documents are in order, especially for destinations with high demand.
– Monitor Official Announcements: Stay updated on moon sightings and public holiday dates, as these can affect travel plans.

Summary Table: Key Eid Al Adha 2025 Travel Offers

Official Airline Contacts

• Emirates: www.emirates.com
• Etihad Airways: www.etihad.com
• Air Arabia: www.airarabia.com
• flydubai: www.flydubai.com
• Wizz Air Abu Dhabi: www.wizzair.com
• Saudia: www.saudia.com

Practical Takeaways for Travelers

• Book Early: Secure your preferred flights and fares before deadlines.
• Use Promo Codes: Take advantage of special offers like ‘REDMAG’ for Emirates RED and ‘BUY1Get1’ for Saudia.
• Consider Payment Plans: Emirates’ “Fly Now, Pay Later” can make travel more affordable for eligible UAE credit card holders.
• Check Visa Requirements: For destinations that require visas, apply as soon as possible to avoid delays.
• Stay Informed: Follow airline websites and official announcements for the latest updates on flights, deals, and travel requirements.

Conclusion

Eid Al Adha 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark season for travelers in the Middle East, with Emirates, Etihad, and other carriers offering some of the best deals in years. The combination of discounted fares, flexible payment options, and expanded flight schedules means more people can travel for both religious and leisure purposes. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the intense competition among airlines is driving prices down and giving travelers more choices than ever before.

Whether you’re planning a pilgrimage, a family reunion, or a quick getaway, now is the time to act. Check official airline websites, consult with travel agents, and make sure all your travel documents are in order. With the right planning, Eid Al Adha 2025 can be both memorable and affordable.

For more information on travel and visa requirements, visit the UAE government’s official travel advice page. Safe travels and Eid Mubarak!

Learn Today

Eid Al Adha → An important Islamic festival marked by increased travel for pilgrimage and family gatherings in June 2025.
Hajj → Annual pilgrimage to Mecca required of Muslims, driving special airline flights and travel demand.
Fly Now, Pay Later → Emirates’ flexible payment plan allowing eligible UAE cardholders to pay tickets in three interest-free installments.
Redeem Code → Promotional codes like ‘REDMAG’ and ‘BUY1Get1’ that provide discounts on flights or purchases during Eid.
Booking Deadline → The last date to secure discounted fares, e.g., June 2 for Air Arabia, May 28 for Saudia.

This Article in a Nutshell

Eid Al Adha 2025 brings historic discounts and more flights across Middle Eastern airlines. Emirates and Etihad lead price wars, offering flexible payments and expanded routes for pilgrims and tourists alike, shaping one of the most affordable, competitive travel seasons in recent memory for regional travelers.
— By VisaVerge.com