The cost of air travel continues to rise across Europe and North America, with data from air fare benchmark administrator Skytra indicating transatlantic airfares surpassed pre-pandemic levels in June.
“Our data shows that a new North American price high for this year was reached back in May, but since then prices have continued to climb, with a new peak being reached in the middle of June – a trajectory that looks set to continue,” said Elise Weber, co-founder of Skytra, a subsidiary of Airbus.
Rising fuel prices and a surge in post-pandemic travel demand are also driving prices up for intra-Europe flights, even as the aviation industry struggles to keep pace.
The company’s June data, which reflects the wholesale price of economy class air travel – excluding business class – showed the cost of flights in Europe also increased from May to June.
According to Weber, this upward trajectory is set to continue throughout the summer.
“Whilst ticket prices have been gradually falling for decades as volumes have risen, they are rising once again. That said, it is important to note that European prices still remain below the pre-pandemic levels,” she said.
BTN recently examined the ‘airfare angst’ being felt across the corporate travel industry, where travel managers also pointed to new booking patterns and increased surcharges.