UAE airlines reduce fares as holidays loom

Dubai, May 9,2011 (Gulf News): Airlines in the UAE are slashing their ticket prices as residents get ready for the summer holidays.

Emirates airline has removed the fuel surcharge on all tickets with immediate effect, the company said in a statement yesterday.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways also announced a special promotion with up to 40 per cent reduction in economy class fares.

The news follows a decline in commodity prices, including crude oil, after the death of Al Qaida chief Osama Bin Laden last week.

"In line with the recent decrease in fuel prices Emirates has removed its fuel surcharge on all tickets. The removal of this surcharge reflects our long-standing commitment to our customers," said Tim Clark, President of Emirates.

Keeping a promise

"We promised our customers from the outset that we would eliminate the surcharge as soon as it was commercially viable and this has now been done," he added.

Etihad said their promotion was not linked to falling oil prices nor was it a response to Emirates' fuel surcharge announcement.

"Last week we were recognised as the Middle East's Leading Airline at the region's World Travel Awards, so we are very excited to offer these sale fares to complement the win; [they are] designed to help all our UAE-based customers choose their perfect holiday or short break during May," said Hareb Al Muhairi, Etihad Airways vice-president of UAE sales.