Long-haul travelers will have to pay more for economy class air tickets this Christmas period, with some round-trip flights costing more than HK$32,000 (US$4,110) due to increased demand, rising operational costs and staff shortages, industry players said, adding that they expect prices to fall next year as capacity returns.

Lily Agonoy, managing director of Jebsen Travel, said passengers could expect an increase in economy class airfares to destinations including London, New York, Sydney and Vancouver compared to last year, with prices ranging from HK$3,650 to HK$32,640, while short-haul airfares had largely returned to pre-pandemic levels.

Ticket prices for this class jumped up to 43 percent compared to long-haul travel in December 2019.

“Flights to London have seen a significant increase in prices. Higher fuel surcharges and higher taxes, as well as an increase in demand due to increased numbers of travelers, have contributed to this increase,” she said.

“Airfares to New York have also increased. The limited number of flights from Hong Kong has driven up prices.

“Generally speaking, rising operational costs, rising fuel prices and staff shortages have pushed airlines to increase airfares. »