According to a report by the “Handelsblatt” Flying could become cheaper in the near future as various airlines advertise their offers with discounts. Ryanair and Wizz Air, for example, recently offered tickets at prices of 19.99 euros and 24.99 euros respectively. It is said that further discount campaigns are likely to follow.
The “Handelsblatt” points out that there was a strong pent-up demand for air travel after the pandemic, which led to fully booked flights and increased prices. The Low Cost Monitor from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) shows that the average prices for flights with Ryanair, Easyjet and Wizz Air were significantly higher in spring 2023 than in spring 2019.
No more “predatory prices” on flights like before Corona
Despite the current discount campaigns, according to the “Handelsblatt”, the “competitive prices” from before the pandemic will not return. However, there is hope for cheaper tickets in the medium term.
On the one hand, this is because the booming summer business is ending and demand traditionally decreases in autumn and winter. Eurowings boss Jens Bischof expressed optimism about booking numbers, but the high cost of living could limit people’s travel budgets.
Increase in supply expected
On the other hand, more supply will come onto the market. The Federal Association of the German Aviation Industry (BDL) and Bernd Bauer, CEO of the Lufthansa subsidiary Discover Airlines, predict an increase in seat availability and a leveling off of business in the coming year. The industry could be doubly hit by greater customer reluctance, as there will be less flying and premium bookings could decline.
Politics is also increasing the pressure on the airlines. In Italy, prices for flights to Sicily and Sardinia were capped by decree, which met with criticism from airlines. The airlines are also threatened with investigations and measures against “hidden fees” and high baggage costs in Spain and Great Britain.