TURBULENCE IN 2020, BUT AIR FARES STAY FLAT

air fares are expected to remain relatively stable around the world in the year ahead albeit with marginal rises in Europe.

The Air Monitor 2020 from American Express Global Business Travel (GBT) says airline consolidation, high regulatory costs and inefficient infrastructure will keep air fare rises in check this year.

Economy fares in Europe are forecast to rise 0.6% and business class fares 0.7%, while business class fares from the UK to Europe are expected to rise 1.5%.

The report says airlines face pressure because of over-capacity, strong competition in the open aviation arena and the rise of flygskam (‘flight-shame’).