Air ticket prices increased at a low two-digit rate in 2023, compared to 2022, above the rate of inflation, and despite the fact that aircraft fuel prices in 2023 were on average 20% lower than in 2022.
In particular, according to the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation, Eurocontrol, air ticket prices increased by 10% in real terms for the period January-November 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. The agency attributed this to “a significant increase in demand and traffic, particularly in the spring months”. It noted, however, that prices retreated in November below the November 2022 level.
All price inflation slowed during 2023 – overall, prices were 7% higher than in 2022.
Meanwhile, total carbon dioxide emissions from flights were 12% higher in 2023 on an annualized basis, and flights responsible for these emissions were 8% higher in 2023 compared to 2022.
Compared to 2019, CO2 emissions were 6% lower than 2019 levels, as flights were also 7% lower.
Eurocontrol also records the Excess Fuel Burn indicator, which measures fuel wasted due to delays, rerouting and holding stops. The index fluctuated between 8% and 12.6% during the year, but was close to 11% per day from May to October, rising to 12% in December due to bad weather.
Mainline airlines or traditional carriers, such as British Airways, retained the largest share of the European market at 35%, but remained 11% lower than in 2019.
According to Eurocontrol, most of the shortfall was due to “weakness in domestic markets” in Germany, France and Scandinavia. These are markets where there is increasing pressure not to fly when alternative forms of transport are available.
Low-cost carriers took a 33% share, with traffic just 4% below the 2019 level.
