Dubai’s travel and hospitality sectors are bracing for a surge in bookings as fans rush to secure their spots for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 23.
With just weeks to go, travel companies are already reporting a steady increase in demand, but expect a sharp rise in bookings as the match date approaches.
As seen during previous high-profile cricket encounters, the final stretch leading up to the match is expected to witness a booking frenzy, with both flights and hotel prices set to soar.
Industry experts are predicting airfare hikes of up to 50% and potential last-minute price spikes, with some fares possibly doubling in the coming weeks.
Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, told Khaleej Times, “We have seen a clear trend— demand for flights and hotels skyrockets in the days leading up to an India-Pakistan match.”
“During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the host city Ahmedabad saw a 1,550% surge in accommodation searches. We anticipate a similar last-minute spike for Dubai.”
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, echoed this view, stating, “While bookings are gradually increasing, the real surge happens in the final two weeks before the match. Travellers waiting for deals may find limited availability and soaring prices.”
The surge in demand is driven by fans from India, Pakistan, and other cricket-loving nations who are eager to attend the match.
Key departure cities for travellers include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad in India, alongside Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in Pakistan.
Cricket-loving markets like the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are also contributing to the rising demand for flights and accommodation.
Dubai’s hospitality sector is already feeling the pressure, with hotels in high-demand areas such as Deira, Downtown, and Dubai Marina reporting high occupancy rates.
Peak demand is expected to occur closer to match day. Budget hotels are already selling out quickly, while luxury properties on Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road are seeing an influx of premium bookings.
Pittie also pointed out the significant price hikes that occurred during previous India-Pakistan matches, with hotel prices surging between 25 and 50 percent, and in some cases, even tenfold.
As demand for accommodation outpaces supply, short-term rentals and Airbnb listings are becoming increasingly popular as alternatives.
With the anticipated surge in travel, airlines are expected to increase flight capacity, either by introducing additional flights or deploying larger aircraft.
Travel agencies are also preparing for the influx by offering bundled packages that include flights, hotels, and match tickets.
Past India-Dubai travel packages during similar tournaments were priced around $2,500 (Dh9,175) for a stay at a 4-star hotel, and similar pricing trends are expected for the upcoming clash.
Luxury hospitality experiences, offering exclusive match-day screenings, themed menus, and entertainment, are also likely to attract premium travellers.
As the clock ticks down to the big match, travel agencies are urging fans to book sooner rather than later to avoid inflated prices and limited availability. “Waiting until the last moment will mean significantly higher prices and fewer options,” warned Raheesh Babu.
In the coming weeks, as excitement builds for the India-Pakistan showdown, travel companies are bracing for what is expected to be a record-breaking surge in demand.