If you have not booked your Eid Al Adha travel yet, you are not alone. And you are not too late.
The UAE's two flagship carriers have both moved quickly to capture the wave of last-minute bookings that typically floods in the week before an extended public holiday. Emirates Holidays is offering curated five-night packages to some of the most popular leisure destinations in the region, while Etihad is sweetening the deal with bonus miles and extra baggage for passengers who choose to check in off-site.
Eid Al Adha runs from Tuesday, May 26 to Friday, May 29, 2026. Combined with the weekend, UAE residents can plan a break of up to nine days.
Emirates Holidays: Five Nights, Six Destinations
Emirates Holidays has put together a portfolio of five-night packages operating out of Dubai International Airport, bundling return economy flights with partner resort stays, daily breakfast, and selected add-ons. Several packages include complimentary children's stays and flexible booking terms to protect against last-minute changes.
| Destination | Partner Property | Price From |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Shangri-La Hambantota | AED 3,935 per person |
| London, UK | Grand Plaza Serviced Apartments | AED 6,052 per person |
| Zanzibar | Hotel Riu Palace Zanzibar | AED 6,324 all-inclusive |
| Phuket, Thailand | Centara Villas Phuket Hotel | AED 6,807 per person |
| Mauritius | Heritage Awali Golf & Wellness | AED 10,766 per person |
| Maldives | Oblu Xperience Ailafushi | AED 10,975 (water villa) |
Zanzibar packages operate via flydubai under a codeshare arrangement with Emirates. Flexible booking terms are available on most packages, allowing changes if plans shift.
Etihad Airways: Miles, Baggage, and Off-Peak Perks
Etihad is taking a different approach from its Abu Dhabi hub at Zayed International Airport. Rather than leading with destination packages, the national carrier is rewarding passengers who help reduce peak-hour pressure at the terminal, a smart piece of demand management dressed up as a customer benefit.
From mid-May through August 16, 2026, passengers using either the Abu Dhabi City Check-In service or Etihad's Home Check-In option will receive two immediate perks: 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles and an extra 3kg baggage allowance. The City Check-In service is available up to 24 hours before departure for AED 40 per person. Passengers who choose to check in at the airport during designated off-peak hours also qualify for the 3kg baggage extension.
This builds on Etihad's already-active summer campaign offering 30% off economy fares to more than 40 destinations, including European leisure hotspots like Mykonos, Santorini, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca.
Travel Advisories: What Airlines Are Asking
Both carriers have issued operational advisories for the Eid period, when UAE airports typically see significant spikes in passenger volumes. The guidance is worth heeding:
- Arrive at the airport at least three hours before the scheduled departure.
- Use online or mobile app check-in to secure boarding passes before reaching the terminal.
- Etihad passengers transiting through Abu Dhabi can access the Abu Dhabi Pass for leisure discounts and a complimentary local SIM or eSIM.
Airport congestion during peak holiday windows in the UAE can be significant. A three-hour buffer is not overcautious. It is practical.
