Ireland – Why are planes becoming more and more expensive?

Over the years, air travel has become increasingly expensive... Explanations of the causes of this price rise.

Gwen Rouviere
by Gwen Le Cointre
5 March 2024, 08:41
Ireland – Why are planes becoming more and more expensive?
A plane over Ireland - © Gabriel Cassan

In the world of travel, there’s one question that’s on travelers’ lips more and more often: why are plane tickets getting more and more expensive? This trend, observed over the last few years, can be explained by several key factors, which combine to have a significant impact on flight costs. Here’s how.

The factors behind soaring air fares

Rising fuel prices

One of the main factors influencing the cost of air tickets is the price of fuel. Airlines are heavily dependent on oil, and price fluctuations can have a considerable impact on their operating costs.

An increase in the price of oil and its associated taxes inevitably translates into higher airfares, as airlines seek to maintain their profit margins.

Environmental standards

Today’s aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. The introduction of stricter environmental standards and the need to invest in clean technologies mean additional costs for airlines. These costs are often passed on to consumers in the form of higher tariffs.

Enhanced safety measures

The reinforcement of security measures at airports and on board aircraft, while necessary for passenger safety, represents another major expense for airlines. The purchase of more sophisticated control equipment and the training of personnel have a direct impact on the overall cost of flight operations.

Capacity reduction

To optimize their revenues, some airlines have chosen to reduce the number of flights or aircraft capacity on certain routes, thus creating a smaller supply in the face of ever-increasing demand.

This strategy can lead to higher prices, as available seats become rarer and therefore more expensive.

Additional costs

The era of all-inclusive air services is over for many airlines, especially low-cost carriers, which have adopted a business model based on additional charges. Luggage, seat selection, meals on board: each additional service represents an additional cost for the passenger, inflating the final bill.

Conclusion

The reasons behind the rise in air fares are manifold, and reflect the challenges facing the air transport industry. Between economic, environmental and safety imperatives, airlines navigate a complex environment that has a direct impact on passenger costs. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding these factors can help consumers better anticipate and plan their travel spending.


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