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Coldplay in Abu Dhabi: Flight ticket prices soar by up to 300% amid demand from Asia, GCC

With thousands of fans expected to travel to UAE, the influx is set to give a significant boost to the tourism sector

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by

SM Ayaz Zakir

Published: Thu 7 Nov 2024, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 9 Nov 2024, 4:25 PM

Coldplay fans worldwide are on an Adventure of a Lifetime as the band kicks off their Music of the Spheres World Tour. The excitement has reached the shores of UAE, with the upcoming January 2025 concert triggering a surge in airfare prices. Rates are expected to rise by up to 300 per cent for travellers from Asia, Africa, and GCC countries.

Due to the unprecedented demand, instead of just one show, Coldplay will perform for four consecutive nights at the 44,600-capacity Zayed Sports City Stadium on January 9, 11, 12, and 14.

Coldplay has a large following among millennials and Gen Z, with fans from India, Pakistan, and other GCC countries flying into Abu Dhabi for the concert, travel experts said.

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“The excitement among this massive fan base has now translated into a rush for flight bookings, driving airfares upwards,” said Shamsheed CV, senior consultant for outbound travel at Wisefox Tourism.

“Coldplay tickets sold out instantly in India, and fans from across Asian and GCC countries are equally enthusiastic. Many have already sorted their tickets for the show and are now booking flights,” added Shamsheed.

Airfares to go higher

Travel agencies are predicting sharper spikes in airfares as the concert dates approach. The rise in demand from neighbouring regions is expected to push UAE prices up.

“Currently, flights from south Indian cities to Dubai cost around Dh450 on average, with return fares nearly the same. However, from the second week of January, these fares double due to the surge in demand,” added Shamsheed.

Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Tourism and Travel, said airfares would rise significantly in the coming days. “Airfare from Asia and GCC countries will increase by nearly 300 per cent as thousands of fans plan to visit the UAE for the Coldplay concerts. There is only a slight increase in prices for the second week of January, but we anticipate much higher rates in the coming weeks,” said Libin.

A Khaleej Times analysis revealed that the current airfare from Dubai to Mumbai is about Dh400, with a return fare. However, in the second week of January, fares from Dubai to Mumbai dropped to around Dh380, but Mumbai to Dubai fares spiked to over Dh800.

Similarly, the current airfare from Karachi to Dubai is around Dh500, with return tickets priced at Dh350. However, during the concert dates, the fare from Dubai to Karachi drops to Dh300, while the airfare from Karachi to Dubai soars beyond Dh800, with flights nearly sold out.

In the GCC region, flights from Riyadh, Qatar, and Kuwait to the UAE currently average around Dh300, but prices during the second week of January reach Dh500 closer to the concert dates. “We may expect the increase in price during the beginning of next month,” said Varghese.

With thousands of fans expected to travel to Abu Dhabi, the influx of visitors is anticipated to boost the tourism sector and related industries such as hospitality and retail.

Travel agents recommend booking flights and accommodation well in advance to avoid last-minute price hikes. “Fans who have brought the concert tickets should book their flights to avoid paying high prices or may face unavailability,” said Varghese.

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SM Ayaz Zakir

Published: Thu 7 Nov 2024, 6:00 AM

Last updated: Sat 9 Nov 2024, 4:25 PM

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