UAE travellers switch to LCCs

A recent travel survey conducted by YouGov Siraj has revealed that low-cost carriers (LCCs) have changed the travel habits of UAE residents.

Of the 750 respondents interviewed by YouGov Siraj, 69 percent travel more frequently due to the availability of low-cost carriers in the region, 63 percent have used LCCs for leisure travel in the past two years and 60 percent of the non LCC travellers are interested in traveling on low-cost carriers in the future.

The survey also reveals that the main factors that determine UAE residents’ travel plans are low fares, convenience (flight timings, airport location) and destination of choice.

Air Arabia, the first and largest LCC with a destination network of 65 routes from three hubs in Sharjah, UAE, Casablanca, Morocco, and Alexandria, Egypt, was voted most popular among all demographics, with a 65 per cent majority among Sharjah residents, 51 per cent in Abu Dhabi and 49 per cent in Dubai.

Commenting on the survey results, Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia said: “Air Arabia introduced low-cost airlines to the region in October 2003, during a time when luxury travel was emphasised, and since then, the concept of budget travel has gone from strength to strength”.

“Seven years later, we are pleased to learn that Air Arabia is the LCC of choice to most UAE residents who have used LCCs for leisure travel and are benefiting from the competitive fares LCCs offers."

“This recent survey testifies that low-cost airlines have redefined the way residents and visitors travel in the Middle East” said Nalini Pippara, senior research associate, YouGovSiraj.