India-Pakistan Champions Trophy clash causes hotel fares to skyrocket in Dubai

With the ICC Champions Trophy just weeks away, all eyes are on the Pakistan vs. India match in Dubai, where hotel prices are rising and expected to double as the date approaches.

Dubai’s travel industry is preparing for a surge in flight and hotel bookings ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on February 23.

Travel companies report a steady rise in demand, but expect a booking frenzy in the final stretch, a trend observed during previous high-profile cricket events.

Experts predict that as fans from India, Pakistan, and other cricket-loving nations finalize their travel plans, bookings will skyrocket, driving airfare prices up by 20 to 50 percent, with last-minute fares potentially doubling.

Key departure cities driving demand include Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad in India, along with Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad in Pakistan. Other cricket-loving markets such as the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia are also contributing to the rising demand.

Dubai’s hospitality sector is already feeling the impact, with hotels in high-demand areas like Deira, Downtown, and Dubai Marina reporting high occupancy rates.

Budget hotels are selling out quickly, while luxury properties on Palm Jumeirah and Sheikh Zayed Road are seeing increased premium bookings.

During past India-Pakistan matches, hotel prices surged by 25 to 50 percent, and in some cases, even tenfold. Short-term rentals and Airbnb listings are also seeing heightened demand as travelers seek alternatives.

Demand for flights and hotels typically spikes in the days leading up to an India-Pakistan match, with previous events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup seeing a 1,550-percent increase in accommodation searches in Ahmedabad. A similar last-minute surge is expected for Dubai as the match approaches.

With the expected travel surge, airlines may add extra flights or deploy larger aircraft. Travel agencies are preparing packages that bundle flights, hotels, and match tickets.

In previous tournaments, India-Dubai packages were priced around $2,500 (Dh9,175) for 4-star hotel stays, with similar trends expected for this match. Luxury offerings will include exclusive match-day screenings, themed menus, and entertainment.

As fares rise daily and hotels fill up fast, travel companies are urging fans to book sooner rather than later as waiting until the last moment will mean significantly higher prices and fewer options.

The next few weeks will be crucial for travelers looking to secure the best deals before the inevitable last-minute rush.

As Dubai prepares for the India-Pakistan clash, the coming weeks will be critical for cricket fans hoping to secure their spot at this historic event before prices soar and availability dwindles.