An inaccessible luxury during the holidays
Traveling by plane during the Christmas season has become a real luxury for few. Recent data show an increase in flight prices that reaches stratospheric figures, with increases that exceed one thousand percent compared to low season periods. In particular, Sicily appears to be the region most affected by these increases, with flights from Milan to Catania going from an average of 34 euros to 389 euros during the holidays, an increase
of 1,031%.
Analysis of flight costs
According to a survey conducted by AltroConsumo, the costs of return flights from Milan and Rome to twelve destinations were analyzed, both during holidays and during normal periods. The results show that traveling abroad during Christmas is often cheaper than domestic flights. The most expensive routes are those to the islands, in particular Sicily and other regions of Southern Italy, where ticket prices skyrocket
.
A comparison between Christmas and low season
Despite the high prices, there is a positive note: this year’s Christmas flights were on average cheaper than those of last year, with an average cost of 247 euros, 14% less than 288 euros in 2022. However, flights to the islands saw a more significant drop, with a decrease of 16%, while flights to other domestic destinations fell by 12%. In the low season, however, prices increased, with an increase of 4% compared to the same period of the previous year
.
The most expensive routes and market dynamics
The routes that recorded the most significant increases include Milan-Catania, Milan-Palermo, Milan-Lamezia Terme, Milan-Naples and Milan-Bari, with increases ranging from 402% to 1,031%. The only exception is the Rome-Milan route, which saw a 13% drop in prices. This phenomenon can be attributed to lower demand during holidays, but also to the presence of high-speed rail connections that offer valid alternatives
for travelers.
Supply and demand: the price game
According to AltroConsumo, the increase in prices during the Christmas period is linked to classic market dynamics: when demand increases, prices also tend to rise. The data provided by ENAC show an increase in passenger traffic of 10% in the month of September 2024 compared to the previous year, but airline ticket prices increased by an average of 184%, an increase disproportionate to the growth in demand. This suggests that airlines are taking advantage of the situation to maximize profits, especially for routes to islands, where prices increase more significantly than flights within the Peninsula
.