According to travel agents, airlines based in the Gulf countries have once again become the preferred choice for travelers flying between Asia and Europe, thanks to the full resumption of flights in the region.
Geoffrey Salatan, CEO of Geof Travel, noted that with flight stabilization, travel agents in the UAE are observing increased customer confidence when booking. He reported that as passengers have more flight options available, they are starting to plan trips earlier, leading to a gradual improvement in booking activity.
Reuters data, citing Flightradar24, indicates that by mid-June, 90 percent of flights in the Gulf countries had returned to normal levels. Despite renewed tensions following the brief truce between the US and Iran, UAE airlines continue to fly with near-full capacity.
Salatan emphasized that the choice of airline depends on a combination of factors, not just its base location. He added that while some tourists are returning to carriers from the UAE for flights to Europe after operations normalized, many clients still choose airlines based on schedule, connectivity, ticket price, and overall convenience.
Pricing policy remains an important aspect when making booking decisions, but travelers are increasingly evaluating overall value rather than just the ticket price. Salatan specified that tourists are looking for the best price-to-quality ratio, considering not only the cost of travel but also the schedule, connection options, baggage allowance, service quality, and travel time. Competitive pricing certainly plays a significant role.
He also mentioned that Emirates and Etihad continue to attract passengers due to their extensive route networks and the quality of services provided, even amidst competition from Asian carriers. Salatan noted that Asian carriers also offer competitive fares and a high level of service, and ultimately, customers choose the airline that best suits their budget, schedule, and travel requirements.
Malu Prado, founder of the travel agency MPQ Travel & Tourism, stated that the return to normal operations has prompted more travelers to use the hubs of the Gulf countries again. She observed that some tourists who previously considered Asian carriers are now opting for Emirates or Etihad again due to their reliable schedules and convenient connections to Europe.
Prado added that booking activity has increased over the past month amid improved confidence in traveling through the region. She noted an increase in inquiries and bookings favoring Gulf airlines after the normalization of operations, observing that travelers have become more confident in booking trips through Dubai.
In Prado's view, competitive fares remain an important factor, but convenience and service quality are equally important. She concluded that when Emirates and Etihad offer competitive prices combined with convenient schedules and quality service, many travelers consider them the best option. For many clients departing from Dubai, the deciding factor is not just the price, but the combination of flight availability, shorter travel times to many destinations, and the overall level of service, which makes Gulf airlines attractive.
