Airfares to summer hotspots tumble by up to a third

Monday, 26 Feb, 2021 0

Airfares to the UK’s favourite holiday hotspots are up to a third cheaper than the last two summers, data from Skyscanner has found.

In the days after Boris Johnson announced the roadmap plan, Skyscanner said it witnessed a ‘surge in bookings’, with Spain, Greece and Turkey among the most sough-after destinations.

Research found current prices are up to 34% cheaper compared to summer 2020 and up to 31% lower than 2019 bookings.

Skyscanner Vice President, Flights, Hugh Aitken said: "Flight prices are historically affected by capacity, demand and seasonality, especially in the run up to peak summer holiday season in Europe.

"After a difficult 12 months for the aviation sector, airlines appear to be balancing capacity with future demand by pricing tickets attractively in order to entice people back to the skies.

"It is good news for UK travellers as our latest analysis shows that average prices on Skyscanner over the summer months are currently up to 31% lower compared to the same period in 2019."

The analysis is based on a return economy flights booked in February for travel in June, July and August.

Aitken said he expects prices to ‘evolve’ in the coming weeks as ‘more clearer paths to recovery are charted out and network planners build in capacity and schedules to allow airlines to fly at scale’.

"We may see some price increases as demand returns," he said. "However airlines will likely continue to offer good value in order to meet this demand.

"We anticipate that airlines and online travel agencies will continue to offer flexibility with tickets as the market recovers and there remains a degree of uncertainty for those planning travel."

According to the Skyscanner data, Portugal is the best value destination with airfares 34% cheaper than summer 2020, and 23% lower than 2019.

Fares to Spain are currently up to 25% lower during summer than 2020, and up to 11% lower compared to summer 2019.

Average airfares to Greece are up to 30% cheaper than summer 2020, and 11% lower than in 2019, while Turkey is up to 27% lower compared to 2020, and 31% lower than 2019.