As Kerala’s grandest festival, Onam, draws near, a wave of discounted airfares and festive travel packages from UAE-based airlines and agencies is enabling thousands of expatriates and tourists to travel home or explore Kerala at unprecedented prices. With fares starting as low as Dh189 (₹4,270), this seasonal surge is reshaping both passenger trends and Kerala’s tourism economy.
Unprecedented airfare deals fuel Onam travel surge
Airlines and travel agencies across the UAE have launched an aggressive round of fare reductions to meet the rising travel demand from Keralite expatriates returning home for Onam.
- Air India Express has unveiled one-way fares starting at just Dh189 (₹4,270), aimed at connecting UAE expatriates to Kerala during the festival.
Air Arabia has launched festive discounts including:
- Dh255 (₹5,763) for one-way tickets from Abu Dhabi to Kozhikode
- Dh349 (₹7,887) for one-way flights from Sharjah to Kochi
- Dh399 (₹9,017) for Sharjah to Thiruvananthapuram, for travel on October 10 and 11, 2025
Among travel agencies, Smart Travel Group is leading the pack with a unique Onam initiative:
- In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Smart Travel is offering one-way tickets from Dubai to Kozhikode at Dh189 (₹4,270), inclusive of 30kg baggage allowance, exclusively for travel on September 4, the eve of Onam
Additional discounted routes include:
- Dubai to Kochi: Dh299 (₹6,757)
- Dubai to Kannur: Dh310 (₹7,006)
- Tickets are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis through six Smart Travel branches in the UAE and four in Kerala.
- Chairman Afi Ahmed called it a “golden opportunity” for expatriates to reunite with families during the festive season.
Other travel agencies are also stepping up:
- AlHind Travel and Tourism is offering one-way tickets to Kerala for Dh500 (₹11,300).
- However, return journeys remain higher, with round trips between August 30 and September 5 priced at around Dh1,580 (₹35,700).
The fare cuts are timely, coinciding with the end of summer holidays in the UAE. Many expatriate families, especially those without school-going children, are taking the chance to return home and extend their Onam celebrations.
Tour packages under Dh1,000 (₹22,600) add festive travel options
For those wanting to combine their Onam celebration with a getaway, travel agencies are offering special tour packages under Dh1,000 (₹22,600).
- Anisha Travel and Tourism has curated packages to Sri Lanka and Bhutan, integrating Kerala’s Onam traditions into the travel experience.
These packages include:- Onam Sadhya (traditional grand feast)
- Cultural performances
- Community celebrations
- The goal is to offer an authentic Onam celebration — even while travelling — in a budget-conscious format.
These value-driven tours are attracting not only returning Keralites but also tourists interested in experiencing India’s cultural diversity.
Broader impact on Kerala’s tourism and aviation economy
The travel spike around Onam is producing a ripple effect across Kerala’s tourism ecosystem.Onam, a 10-day harvest festival, brings the state alive with:
- Pookkalam (floral carpet designs)
- Feasts, family gatherings
- Cultural events like boat races and traditional dances
As expatriates return and tourists arrive, this surge is fueling:
- Increased hotel and homestay bookings
- Demand for local transportation and guides
- Boosted business for eateries and artisan markets
Airlines are leveraging this festival window to:
- Increase passenger load
- Retain long-term customer loyalty
- Fill seasonal capacity gaps
The joint efforts of airlines and agencies are turning Onam into not just a cultural event but a powerful tourism driver.
Long term economic and cultural gains
The Onam travel wave is setting a benchmark for how cultural events, supported by targeted pricing and smart partnerships, can boost economic and aviation growth.The broader benefits include:
- Revenue growth for airlines, agencies, and hospitality providers
- Opportunities for artisans, performers, and SMEs to engage with wider audiences
- Expanded tourism infrastructure to meet rising seasonal demand
Key contributors:
- Air India Express and Air Arabia with headline-grabbing airfares
- Smart Travel Group and Anisha Travel and Tourism, offering regionally tuned packages
Together, they are helping establish a scalable model for festival-led tourism, benefiting expatriates, tourists, and Kerala’s economy alike.
