Muscat: Airfares are expected to climb globally in 2025 as airlines contend with escalating fuel costs, inflation, and persistent travel demand, according to early industry projections. Experts forecast price hikes of 2% to 14% across international routes, with regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and North America likely to see the sharpest increases.

Fuel prices, a significant portion of airline operating costs, are projected to surpass pre-2020 levels. Combined with inflation and labor shortages, these economic factors are straining airline budgets, leading to inevitable fare adjustments.

In the Middle East, key carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have announced modest fare increases for long-haul flights. These airlines are simultaneously investing heavily in fleet expansion and premium services, with UAE carriers reporting an 18% surge in premium cabin bookings year-over-year.

Low-cost airlines like Air Arabia and flydubai are keeping fare increases comparatively modest but caution that sharp fuel price hikes may force further adjustments.

As ticket prices soar, savvy travellers can employ strategies to save:

• Reserve tickets 2-3 months in advance to save up to 20%.
• Track price changes with apps and tools.
• Mid-week travel or layovers can cut costs.
• Credit card perks and airline loyalty programs can offset rising expenses.
• Opt for less popular routes or secondary airports for better deals.

The aviation industry’s shift towards sustainability is also influencing ticket prices. Investments in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and carbon-offset programs are gradually being reflected in fare structures. A growing number of travelers are willing to pay a premium for eco-conscious options, with airlines introducing ‘green’ ticket tiers and more transparency about emissions.