Airfare has increased 38 percent.
The cost of domestic air travel has risen by nearly 40 percent and demand is sending those prices higher. According to the head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines are passing on rising oil prices to passengers through higher fares relatively quickly, but the spike in energy costs will worsen the industry’s overall outlook in 2022.
At the same time, the airline industry, both domestically and internationally, has suffered from staff shortages in the post-COVID era. Yet IATA Director General Willie Walsh said overall international passenger traffic has picked up faster than expected despite the war in Ukraine and continued restrictions for major aviation markets in China.
To add to travel challenges, President Biden’s administration is lifting pre-departure COVID testing requirements for international travel to the U.S. effective Sunday, June 12. The CDC will do a reassessment of the rule in 90 days and on an ongoing basis thereafter. If a new variant emerges, the CDC may consider reinstating the pre-departure testing requirement.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For U.S. transportation officials as they review changing health and safety regulations regarding public health needs.
- For wisdom for Director Walensky as she leads the CDC.
- With gratitude for the continued waning of the coronavirus and lessening of its threat to life.
Sources: Reuters, CBS News, ABC News, The Hill
