Dubai’s travel industry is gearing up for an unprecedented surge in flight and hotel bookings as the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches. Scheduled for February 23, 2025, this high-stakes match has cricket enthusiasts scrambling to secure their travel plans, leading to a sharp increase in demand for flights, hotels, and short-term rentals.
For those planning to witness the biggest rivalry in cricket live in Dubai, booking now is crucial—because waiting could cost you a fortune!
✈️ Airfares Expected to Rise by 50%
With just a few weeks to go, industry experts predict a steep rise in airfares, with ticket prices increasing between 20% and 50%. For last-minute travelers, fares could double in the final days before the match.
According to Rikant Pittie, co-founder of EaseMyTrip, past trends indicate that demand for flights and hotels skyrockets in the days leading up to an India-Pakistan match. He noted that during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the host city Ahmedabad saw a 1,550% surge in accommodation searches, and Dubai is expected to witness a similar spike.
Travelers flying in from India, Pakistan, the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are contributing to the rising demand, with Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad emerging as key departure cities.
🏨 Hotels & Rentals Filling Up Fast
Dubai’s hospitality industry is already feeling the match-day fever. Hotels in Deira, Downtown, and Dubai Marina are reporting high occupancy rates, with demand expected to peak closer to the match date.
Budget accommodations are selling out quickly, while luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road are experiencing a surge in premium bookings.
During past India-Pakistan matches, hotel prices surged between 25% and 50%, and in some cases, prices increased tenfold. This year, travelers are also turning to short-term rentals and Airbnb listings as an alternative to traditional hotel stays.
🎟️ Travel Packages & Flight Deals
To cater to the huge influx of fans, airlines may introduce additional flights or deploy larger aircraft on high-demand routes. Meanwhile, travel agencies are rolling out exclusive packages, bundling flights, hotels, and match-day experiences.
In previous tournaments, India-Dubai travel packages—including flights and 4-star hotel stays—were priced at approximately $2,500 (Dh9,175). Similar price trends are expected this year, with premium hospitality experiences offering:
- Exclusive match-day screenings
- Themed dining experiences
- Entertainment and after-parties
📅 Book Now or Pay More Later!
With airfares rising daily and hotels filling up fast, travel experts strongly urge fans to book as soon as possible.
Raheesh Babu, COO of Musafir.com, warns that the biggest surge in bookings happens in the last two weeks before the match. He cautions travelers:
“Waiting until the last moment will mean significantly higher prices and fewer options.”
As excitement builds, the next few weeks are critical for securing the best travel deals. Whether you’re flying in from India, Pakistan, or anywhere else, now is the time to lock in your travel plans and avoid last-minute price hikes!
