An URGENT warning about airline tickets has been issued as families prepare to head off on their summer holidays.
Transport bosses have warned that ticket prices will rise amid flight cancellations across all airlines.
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It even goes so far as to say that “consumers will undoubtedly become more expensive to fly”.
The revelation means families wanting to get away could face an awkward summer amid the chaos at airports.
The competition for seats on planes has increased due to the cancellations, causing ticket prices to rise.
Earlier this week, British Airways announced it was canceling thousands more summer flights as previous schedule cuts to alleviate disruptions didn’t work.
The airline said in a statement that “regrettably” it has become necessary to further scale back its operations.
Tens of thousands of passengers have been affected by the cancellation of flights at Heathrow and Gatwick.
British Airways is among the companies that have had to cancel flights.
Easyjet also canceled around 10,000 flights between July and September, affecting 1.5 million people.
And Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association, said this morning he believes rising oil prices due to the war in Ukraine and the many flight cancellations will affect ticket prices.
He told the BBC on Sunday morning: “Flights are becoming more expensive because of the high price of oil and it was clear to everyone that this will be reflected in higher ticket prices.
“Flying will undoubtedly become more expensive for consumers.
“Oil is the single largest item in an airline’s cost base. It is inevitable that high oil prices will ultimately be passed on to consumers.”
Mr Walsh also said he was ok with flight cancellations as it allows airlines to reschedule due to staff shortages.
He said: “I think it is right that these cancellations are made early as it allows airlines and their customers to adjust to the revised schedules.
“I actually expect people to be able to escape. I think there will be some disruption, but I don’t think it will be to the extent that we’ve seen so far.
“I believe that there are solutions that have been implemented.”
Airport staffing shortages have led to weeks of disruption, flight cancellations and frustratingly long queues for travellers.
Holidaymakers sleep on airport floors while suitcases pile up at Heathrow.
Added to this are two difficult years for the aviation industry due to Covid.