Share this @internewscast.com

Key Points
  • Jet fuel prices have dropped globally reducing operating costs for airlines.
  • The capacity of seats on planes has also increased.
  • Australia’s airlines are launching new international routes later this year.
Cheaper jet fuel has driven down airfares for Australian travellers, and the price relief is expected to continue.
Domestic economy airfares were 12 per cent cheaper in the first two months of 2025 than the same time last year, according to data compiled by corporate travel advisers FCM Consulting.
That represents $29 off the average ticket price.
The price drop comes despite the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) saying limited domestic competition was helping the country’s dominant airline groups — Qantas and Virgin — boost their profit margins.

While Qantas Group earnings before tax soared to $1.5 billion in the last six months of 2024, and Virgin Australia also announced record profits, market dynamics since the new year have also benefited travellers.

Jet fuel dropping in cost

Fuel is the largest operating cost for airlines, so fluctuations in fuel prices are passed through to airfares.

Ongoing weakness in jet fuel prices is expected to continue putting downward pressure on airfares in the coming months, according to the ACCC.
FCM Consulting director Felicity Burke said Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region had experienced sharper drops in fares compared to the rest of the world.

“We’ve been saying for a long time now that global capacity increases and other factors like jet barrel cost reductions would go hand-in-hand with airfare price drops in various regions, and this is one of several reasons that we’re now seeing this come to fruition,” she told the Australian Associated Press.

More seats available

Another factor in the cost of air travel is seat availability.
Around the world, more seats are available on planes, contributing to falling costs for travellers on international economy flights.
Global capacity in May was 7 per cent higher than in 2019 and 5 per cent higher than at the same time last year.

International economy airfares out of Australia dropped 5 per cent in January and February compared to the same period last year, while business class tickets fell by 3 per cent.

New flights on the way

More routes are set to launch in the second half of this year, with Virgin’s partnership with Qatar Airways adding further competition on the highly trafficked Australia to Europe corridor.
“Through this partnership with a world-leading global airline, we expect to not only create more choice for travellers but also drive healthy competition, which typically helps to place downward pressure on fares over time,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson told AAP.
Qantas will also launch new routes in late 2025, including Adelaide to Auckland and Perth to Auckland, as well as Perth to Johannesburg.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Australia Braces for Impact: Understanding the Implications of a Potential ‘Super’ El Niño Event

In brief Current forecasts suggest El Niño or strong El Niño conditions…
Debit cards from the big four banks - Commonwealth Bank, NAB, Westpac, ANZ

Major Banks Increase Interest Rates, Yet Some Customers May Not Experience Immediate Effects

The Reserve Bank of Australia recently increased the official cash rate target…
Tropical Cyclone Narelle

Brace for Impact: Cyclone Narelle Strengthens on Collision Course with Western Australia

Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle intensifies as it approaches WA coast as category…

Uncovering Australia’s Hidden Crisis: How Fuel Shortages Spark a Nationwide Domino Effect

In brief Remote fuel prices have topped $4 per litre, driving pantry…

Nicólas Maduro Challenges U.S. Restrictions on Utilizing Venezuelan Funds for Legal Expenses

IN BRIEF Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro wants his case for drug…
Wendell Sailor leaving court.

Football Icon Cleared of Drunken Incident Charges Due to Mental Health Considerations

Cross-code legend Wendell Sailor has kept a clean criminal record after three…
Service stations introduce 50L caps as supply shock continues

Fuel Stations Impose 50L Limit Amid Ongoing Supply Challenges

Initially, rural and regional areas were the first to feel the pinch…
Two fuel tanks on Sarah Thomson's  Ruffy property were siphoned.

Devastation in the Outback: Bushfire-Ravaged Farmers Face Heartless Fuel Theft Crisis

In a disheartening turn of events, farmers in bushfire-affected regions of Victoria…
Marles defends Australia after Trump goes whack

Marles Stands Firm: Defending Australia’s Honor Amid Trump’s Criticism

During a heated exchange on the Today show, Deputy Prime Minister Richard…

From Deception to Self-Discovery: My High School Journey to Authenticity

In light of increasing restrictions on medical pathways for transgender youth globally…
The Big Red Bash, the self-proclaimed world's most remote music festival, is scrambling to find another venue after a rare deluge hit outback Queensland.

Flooded Out: Iconic Big Red Bash Outback Music Festival Faces Unprecedented Cancellation

Queensland‘s iconic Big Red Bash music festival has been cancelled due to…
Radio host Kyle Sandilands leaves  is home in, Vaucluse, 17 March 2026. Image 2

Kyle Sandilands Faces Legal Battle Over $100 Million Contract Dispute

Controversial radio host Kyle Sandilands is gearing up for his initial court…