Rising air fares highlight the value of expert travel support

With airfares and travel costs continuing to rise, businesses are facing increasing pressure on travel budgets. We explore why expert travel support is becoming essential in a more complex travel landscape.

Business travel costs are continuing to climb, with new research from travel consultancy Advito revealing sharp increases in airfares across almost every major region. The rise is being driven largely by escalating jet fuel prices following renewed conflict in the Middle East, placing additional pressure on already stretched corporate travel budgets.

Using predictive analytics based on global booking data and fare searches, Advito forecasts international business class airfares will rise by at least 7% year on year during the second quarter of 2026. Some of the steepest increases are expected on routes originating from North America and Europe, where double digit rises are now becoming common.

The same trend is being seen across economy travel and domestic routes, with both leisure and corporate travellers facing higher overall costs. According to Advito, one of the biggest drivers behind these increases is the growing use of fuel surcharges by airlines. In some cases, these additional charges now account for more than 40% of the total ticket price.

Unlike negotiated corporate discounts, fuel surcharges are rarely flexible and are typically passed directly onto the traveller. In many markets there is little regulation around how airlines apply these charges, provided the pricing is displayed clearly at the time of booking. As a result, what may initially appear to be a competitive airfare can quickly become significantly more expensive once all additional costs are included.

The report also points to rising accommodation costs in several regions. Hotel rates across Europe are forecast to increase by 3.8%, while Asia is expected to see growth of 3.1%. Advito believes many European hotel groups are now focusing more heavily on pricing strategy and limited room supply rather than relying purely on demand growth to drive rates higher.

Car hire costs are also expected to rise, particularly in the UK where rental prices could increase by as much as 7%. Labour shortages and limited fleet availability are continuing to affect operational capacity, creating further pricing pressure during busy travel periods.

For businesses, these developments are a reminder that managing travel spend is becoming increasingly complex. With fluctuating fares, hidden surcharges and rapidly changing availability, the value of experienced travel consultants has never been clearer.

An experienced travel management team can often identify smarter routing options, alternative fare combinations and flexible booking opportunities that may not be obvious through online searches alone. They can also help businesses navigate changing supplier conditions, policy compliance and disruption management while ensuring travellers still receive the best possible value and support.

At a time when every travel pound matters, expertise and proactive support can make a significant difference to both cost control and traveller experience.

Contact Meon Travel today to find out how we can support your business better.