Airlines are coping with the holiday rush as government offices and schools close for Eid Al-Adha holiday on Wednesday, and people depart for domestic and international destinations. A leading travel agent in Riyadh said flights to Dubai and Cairo are already fully booked, and airlines will be adding more flights in the next few days. Saudi Arabian Airlines currently has three flights to Dubai, but will add two to three more flights depending on demand. Egypt Airlines also plans to add two more flight this week to deal with the rush.
Last year, Saudis and expatriates generally traveled to Cairo, Dubai, and Beirut, and budget travelers preferred the first two destinations. A Saudi schoolteacher, Ali Al-Humoud, said most Saudis want to stay at home for the holidays then leave Riyadh for places that will allow them to conveniently return home for Eid on November 27.
