Airfares between Dubai and Lahore have surged sharply ahead of the Basant festival, making travel significantly more expensive for passengers planning to visit the city.
With Basant returning after more than two decades, demand has risen fast, especially among overseas Pakistanis and tourists eager to witness the celebrations.
According to recent fare listings, round-trip tickets from Dubai to Lahore now start at around PKR 181,883 on airlines such as Gulf Air and Turkish Airlines.
These flights usually involve one stop and take roughly 5 hours and 25 minutes. Meanwhile, Saudia Airlines fares have climbed as high as PKR 338,219, with longer travel times of about 9 hours and 25 minutes via Jeddah.
Travel agents say the sharp increase is driven by limited seat availability and strong seasonal demand. Many travelers are booking at the last minute, which has further pushed prices upward. Airlines are also adjusting fares as aircraft loads fill up quickly for dates close to the festival.
Basant, known for its colorful kites, music, and food, holds strong emotional value for Lahore residents and the diaspora. Its return has sparked excitement, prompting many people to plan trips despite the higher costs. Hotels and local transport services in Lahore are also seeing increased bookings during the festival period.
Industry experts advise travelers to book early, stay flexible with travel dates, or consider alternative routes to manage costs. Some passengers are also choosing to travel via other Pakistani cities and then continue by road or domestic flights.
Overall, the surge in Dubai–Lahore airfares highlights how major cultural events can quickly impact travel demand, especially when large numbers of overseas visitors plan to return home at the same time.
