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Mon, 27 Apr 2026

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 European flight prices are falling in short term, Wizz Air boss says

While many airlines say they are raising prices due to high fuel costs, József Váradi says European airlines are trying to boost demand

* European flight prices are falling as airlines try to boost demand and overcome customer "hesitancy" over the economic hit from the US-Israel war with Iran.
* Wizz Air's CEO József Váradi says that European airlines can make price cuts in the short term because they have bought fuel at a price set before the war began.
* Jet fuel prices in Europe have surged since the start of the conflict, but have since settled back to around $1500 per metric tonne.
* Spain's industry and tourism minister has advised people to buy flights sooner rather than later to avoid potentially costlier airfares due to the war.
* Váradi believes that summer disruption fears over jet fuel shortages are "overplayed" and that tankers are bringing fuel from the US to Europe to meet demand.
* European airlines use hedging policies when buying fuel, which can help mitigate sudden increases in costs, allowing them to make price cuts.
* Some customers are still choosing to book flights now due to fears of price rises if they wait.