Airlines flying from the country are preparing for their busiest winter on record. Bookings for the season, which runs from late October to the end of March, are already about 12 percent higher than at the same point last year, according to figures from Riverton International Airport, and carriers have added more than 40 extra weekly flights.
At the same time, ticket prices have stopped rising. After two years of steep increases, average fares for winter flights are roughly flat compared with last year, and slightly lower on some popular routes.
Sun, snow and city breaks
The strongest demand is for warm destinations, with direct flights to southern beaches and islands almost fully booked over the holidays. Ski trips are also popular, as are short city breaks in the weeks before Christmas.
Two of the country’s largest airlines have announced new winter routes, and a low-cost carrier will station an additional aircraft in Port Alden from November.
Travelers are clearly prioritizing trips over other spending. We see families booking earlier and couples adding a second short break in the off-season.
Sanne Verhoeven, head of commercial planning at a national airline
Why fares have stabilized
Industry analysts point to several reasons. Jet fuel prices have eased since spring, more aircraft have returned to service after maintenance delays, and competition has increased on popular routes.
“Airlines have more seats to sell than they did a year ago, and that limits their pricing power,” said aviation analyst Oskar Lindahl. “Prices will still jump around the holidays, but the steady climb we saw has stopped.”
He advises travelers to choose midweek flights and avoid the busiest school holiday dates if they want the best fares.
Pressure on crews and airports
The rush brings challenges. Airlines are still recruiting cabin crew and pilots, and unions warn that staff are already working at their limits. The flight attendants’ union said it would monitor working hours closely over the holidays.
“We want a successful season too, but not on the backs of exhausted crews,” said union representative Marija Holt.
Riverton International has hired 150 additional security and ground staff for the winter and is opening a new bag-drop area. The airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before departure during peak periods.
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