Last-Minute Travel Deals Offered by UAE, Regional, and Indian Airlines to Attract Holiday-Deprived Travellers during the Summer Season
Etihad Airways has extended its sale offer for travel from India, providing a perfect opportunity for travellers to explore cultural and business hubs across North America and Europe at significant discounts. The offer is valid until August 15, 2025, and covers travel between September 15, 2025, and March 15, 2026.
The sale includes Economy class fares to various destinations. Travellers can book flights to popular cities such as Chicago, Washington DC, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Toronto in the United States, as well as Barcelona, Brussels, Prague, Warsaw, Sochi, Rome, Madrid, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, and Dublin in Europe.
Moreover, the offer allows for an Abu Dhabi stopover, offering free or discounted hotel stays for a few nights. This extended window for travel planning makes it easier for passengers to organise their trips.
Etihad's strategic move reflects a competitive market where carriers are vying for end-of-season bookings and looking to secure passengers for the upcoming winter travel period. This sale comes after Etihad's earlier 'Sizzling Summer' sale, which provided a 25% discount on both business and economy class tickets to various destinations.
Meanwhile, Air India has announced its 'Namaste World' promotional sale with discounted fares on both domestic and international routes. The trend of last-minute sales is a strategic response to the tapering summer demand, as airlines look to capitalise on spontaneous travel plans and secure a more substantial load factor as the travel industry transitions into a new season.
In other news, Dubai Airports have experienced a busy summer, according to official sources. In the first half of 2025, Dubai Airports saw a daily average of 254,000 people passing through DXB, and Zayed International Airport (AUH) saw 15.5 million passengers, a 13.2% year-on-year increase. The CEO of Dubai Airports, Paul Griffiths, stated that there is no discernible impact from US tariffs or regional geopolitical tensions.
Abu Dhabi Airports also reported a strong first half of 2025, with passenger traffic exceeding 15.8 million, representing a 13.1% increase compared to 2024. Fares for domestic flights from major Indian hubs reportedly start at ₹1,279 (Dh53.59), making it an affordable option for many travellers.
In conclusion, Etihad Airways' extended sale offer presents an excellent opportunity for travellers to explore popular destinations in the US and Europe at discounted prices. The offer, along with Air India's promotional sale, demonstrates the competitive nature of the airline industry as it transitions into a new season.
- For budget-conscious travellers, the extended sale offered by Etihad Airways presents an opportunity to visit lifestyle destinations in Europe, such as Rome, Madrid, or Paris, without breaking the bank.
- In a bid to attract more business travellers, Etihad Airways has included various North American cities, like Chicago, Washington DC, New York, and Atlanta, in their extended sale offer.
- Apart from flights, Etihad's offer allows passengers to plan a stopover in Abu Dhabi, offering free or discounted stays at hotels, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a relaxing travel experience.
