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Dubai: The month of Ramadan is expected to spur a rise in air travel in the region as Muslims embark on pilgrimages and families gather to celebrate the special occasion.
To capture demand, Etihad yesterday launched promotional fares over most of its network, while Emirates said it would add frequencies to Jeddah and offer a discounted rate.
"We have lots and lots of people travelling for Umrah," said a Dubai Civil Aviation spokesman, referring to a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims often undertake during Ramadan. "A bump is likely, given the circumstances."
The well-developed air hubs in the UAE mean airlines and airports are prime beneficiaries of the extra traffic. In Dubai, airport officials say the number of transit passengers will rise as Muslims from across the globe fly to Dubai for connecting flights to Saudi Arabia.
Emirates forecasts five million visitors will travel to Saudi during Ramadan. It is introducing 10 additional flights per week between Dubai and the Jeddah Haj Terminal, in addition to 17 existing flights per week to the Kingdom. The flights are available until October 12 for those with a valid Umrah visa and come with a special economy fare of Dh2,540. It has even set up a ticketing division for UAE residents reachable at hajandumrah@emirates.com.
"Traditionally, this is not a time when people look to travel," an Etihad spokesman told Gulf News. "But the trend these days is that the demand remains.
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