Emirates hikes World Cup fares by 70%

Dubai's Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways have hiked up the prices of flights to Brazil during the World Cup next year by up to 70 percent,Arabian Business can reveal.

Return economy flights on Emirates between Dubai and Sao Paulo on June 10, just two days before the 2014 World Cup begins, are being sold for AED10,675 ($2,906) – a surge of nearly 70 percent on an identical trip made in March.

The airline has also raised its business class fares for travel during the event by 10 percent, to AED30,375.

Qatar Airways has also increased its economy class ticket prices by 40 percent from AED 6,095 to AED 8,435, and its business class prices by 14 percent from AED 23,075 to AED 26,255 (based on travel from Dubai to Sao Paulo in June).

Next year’s FIFA World Cup will take place in Brazil between June 12 and July 13.

The hike in Emirates Airline fares comes despite the fact that the airline has been an “Official FIFA Worldwide Partner” since 2007. On its website, the airline says:  “Emirates is looking forward to bringing fans closer to the game they love. South America is an important and growing market for Emirates…. Emirates looks forward to sharing the carnival atmosphere with all football fans at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.”

Only UAE national carrier Etihad Airways, according to its website, is not raising prices for travel to Brazil during the tournament.

Emirates and Qatar Airways did not reply when contacted by Arabian Business for comment.

*Prices are based on travel between Dubai and Sao Paulo on June 10, 2014, returning June 24 – compared to travel between Dubai and Sao Paulo on March 10, returning March 24.