access denied

For short-distance routes the ticket increase is already between 20 and 30 euros per trip.The most likely scenario is summer 2026 with more expensive tickets and less flexibility in payments.

War and volatility are risks that experts warn about and our pockets are starting to suffer

Planning your vacation?A tip: save a lot of money on the cost of flights as airfares increase to 2026.

And in just five weeks, jet fuel prices have doubled and flights have been cancelled.It's a much more aggressive evolution than oil, which has risen nearly 50%.

One very important thing to consider is that fuel accounts for about 30 percent of an airline's operating costs, and in some cases it can reach 40%.

When this component increases significantly, the company has little ability to absorb the impact without passing it on to the end customer.

How much are plane tickets already?

Its effect is already visible in the market.On short-haul routes, as Destinia told Notícias Cuatro, the average increase is between 20 and 30 euros per trip, while on long-haul flights the increase can reach 130 euros.

In the area of ​​tourist arrangements, especially in destinations like Egypt or the Caribbean, the increase is between 50 and 100 euros per person.

This trend has hit charters hard where margins are tight and fuel prices are high.

And it looks like it doesn't stop there.The new prices reflect an upward trend that will surely rise in the coming weeks.

Why does Spain resist better than other countries?

Unlike other European markets, Spain starts with a structural advantage.Up to 80% of the country's oil consumption is produced in domestic refineries, reducing direct dependence on the Persian Gulf.

In addition, fuel reserves remain at normal levels, ensuring supplies in the short term, including during the summer months.But this does not mean complete immunity.

Domestic flights are more prone to problems, but international routes, especially those that require fuel at foreign airports, can be affected by restrictions or food rations in some countries.

The war in the energy market and the domino effect

This situation stems from geopolitical instability in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major energy transportation route.Europe depends on about 45% of kerosene imports from the region, which explains the pressure on prices.

Although the shipments left before the conflict still arrive, a delay of about a month means that the real impact is known to be delayed, which explains why the aviation sector is now starting to react more strongly.

Now this is how airlines protect themselves

To protect themselves from the ridiculous, many companies use fuel brackets that allow them to prepay between 60% and 80% of their needs.However, these caps have a limited time.

Some airlines have already worn out that protection and are starting to charge much higher market prices.From there it explains decisions such as the ability to reduce or destroy unnecessary routes.

In fact, there have already been cases where companies that did not have adequate coverage had to cancel numerous flights, demonstrating the model's vulnerability to sudden increases.

Fewer flight options and higher prices

Along with rising prices, the market is starting to show signs of supply adjustment.Some airlines have reduced their schedules slightly, while others are considering doing so if fuel prices remain high.

This double effect – fewer available seats and higher operating rates – increases pricing pressure.If demand is strong, as expected after tourism returns, this will lead to a further increase in ticket prices.

By 2025, Spanish airlines have recorded a record 247 million scheduled seats.By 2026, that number is in doubt.

What should I do if I want to cancel my flight?

One of the most important aspects for travelers is to know when they can cancel a contracted trip.The policy stipulates that the price increase must exceed 8% for the customer to have the right to cancel the contract without penalty.

Below this threshold, agencies can apply adjustments without offering free cancellation, which limits consumers' ability to respond to these situations.

In the short term, no supply issues are expected in Spain, but price pressure is expected to increase.

The most likely scenario is a summer season with higher ticket prices, less supply flexibility and higher bookings by tourists.