Sky-high airfares, Dubai flight prices soars as India-Pakistan showdown nears

Airfare from Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi to Dubai has tripled, with some last-minute tickets reaching ₹1,00,000 ($1,200) or more

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With the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match set to take place on February 23, 2025, flight ticket prices to Dubai have skyrocketed as fans rush to witness the historic showdown live at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Steep rise in airfares 

Travel agencies and online booking platforms report that ticket prices from India and Pakistan to Dubai have surged by as much as 300% in the past few weeks. According to industry experts, the surge is being driven by an unprecedented demand for flights as cricket enthusiasts, celebrities, and media personnel flock to the UAE. 

“We have never seen such an overwhelming demand for flights to Dubai in February. Airfare from Delhi, Mumbai, and Karachi has tripled, with some last-minute tickets reaching ₹1,00,000 ($1,200) or more, which is unheard of for this route,” said Ravi Mehta, CEO of SkyRoute Travels. 

Similarly, a Pakistani travel agent, Farhan Malik of AeroFly Tours, confirmed the trend: “Flights from Lahore and Islamabad that usually cost around PKR 50,000 ($175) have surged to over PKR 150,000 ($525). Hotels are also filling up fast, making this one of the most expensive sporting events for fans to attend.” 

What’s causing the hike?

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is considered one of the fiercest in the world, drawing millions of viewers globally. With diplomatic tensions restricting bilateral series, fans see this rare international encounter as a must-watch event. 

Aviation analyst Amit Tandon explains. “Whenever India and Pakistan clash on a global stage, demand for travel spikes exponentially. Airlines capitalize on this by raising prices dynamically, and this time, with Dubai hosting the match, the effect is amplified.”

Industry speculation suggests that some airlines may introduce additional flights to cater to the demand, but those tickets are expected to be snapped up instantly. 

Resale market & hotel prices also soaring

Not only are flights experiencing a surge, but hotel prices in Dubai have also doubled. Five-star accommodations near the stadium are either fully booked or charging exorbitant rates. Meanwhile, ticket resellers are listing match tickets at inflated prices with VIP seats going for over $5,000. 

Fans’ reactions

Many fans who initially planned to attend the match are reconsidering their travel due to the cost. Rajesh Verma, a cricket enthusiast from Mumbai, expressed his disappointment. “I had been saving up this match, but with airfare and hotel prices so high, I don’t think I can afford the trip anymore.”

Similarly, Saima Khan from Lahore shared “I was excited to witness this historic match in person, but spending over PKR 200,000 for a two-day trip seems unreasonable. 

With just weeks to go until the match, flight prices are expected to climb even further. For those still hoping to attend, booking as early as possible or exploring alternate travel routes via neighboring cities might be the only way to avoid paying a premium. 

As the world gears up for this thrilling cricket spectacle, one thing is clear, watching an India-Pakistan match in person comes with a hefty price tag.


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