Dubai’s travel industry expects a significant increase in flight and hotel bookings due to the India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which approaches on February 23.

With only weeks remaining, companies reported a steady rise in demand and anticipate a booking frenzy in the final stretch.

Experts predicted a surge in bookings as fans from India, Pakistan, and other cricket-loving nations finalize travel plans. Airfare may increase by 20% to 50%, with last-minute fares potentially doubling.

“Demand for flights and hotels skyrockets in the days before an India-Pakistan match. During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Ahmedabad saw a 1,550 percent surge in accommodation searches. We expect a similar spike for Dubai,” The co-founder of EaseMyTrip, stated Rikant Pittie to Khaleej Times.

“While bookings are increasing, the real surge happens in the final two weeks. Travellers waiting for deals may find limited availability and rising prices,” COO of Musafir.com, Raheesh Babu, added.

Travel companies urge fans to book early for the best rates and availability as the match approaches.

Key departure cities include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad in India, as well as Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in Pakistan for the match.

Hotels in areas like Deira, Downtown, and Dubai Marina are reporting high occupancy rates, with peak demand anticipated as the match day approaches.

“In previous India-Pakistan matches, hotel prices surged by 25 to 50 percent, and in some instances, even tenfold,” Pittie noted.

Travel agencies are also introducing packages that combine flights, hotel accommodations, and match tickets.

In previous tournaments, travel packages from India to Dubai were priced around $2,500 (Dh9,175), which included stays in 4-star hotels. Similar pricing trends are expected for this match, with luxury hospitality options providing exclusive match-day screenings, themed dining experiences, and entertainment.

“Delaying until the last minute will result in significantly higher prices and reduced choices,” Babu said.

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