For those planning last-minute trips, there’s some good news: international flight prices have dipped below $1,000 for the first time since mid-March. However, experts caution that this drop may be short-lived, particularly given the rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Kayak, which monitors flight price trends, reported that the average cost of an international fare fell to $980 last week, marking the lowest since the week of March 23, when it was $954.
Some of the most significant decreases were seen in flights to destinations like Seoul, South Korea, where prices dropped by 15% to $1,207. Shanghai, China, also saw a 15% dip, bringing prices to $1,378, while flights to Naples, Italy, fell 11% to $1,022.
Other cities that experienced price reductions last week include Stockholm, Vienna, Athens, Dublin, Paris, and Madrid.
Brian Kelly, the founder of The Points Guy, advised travelers to seize good prices when they see them, noting, “Even if prices start to stabilize a bit, you never really know.” He added that it’s not wise to wait unnecessarily long to book.
Industry experts suggest that airlines are lowering fares to attract cash-strapped customers, as demand appears to be relatively subdued. Joe Adamski from ProcureAbility mentioned that transatlantic travel between the U.S. and Europe has dipped significantly compared to previous years.
While World Cup tourism in 2026 was expected to boost travel, Adamski indicated that interest from European travelers has been disappointing. Many seem hesitant to travel to the U.S. due to immigration issues and the high cost of event tickets.
Brian Kelly remarked that travel often becomes one of the first expenses people cut when looking to save money, and last week’s price drops may reflect airlines’ urgent need to fill seats. “Travelers might opt for road trips or stay closer to home instead,” he noted.
For those on the lookout for bargains, Kelly suggested booking trips for August and September now.
Despite the recent drop in airfare, prices are still more than 17% higher than last year, when the average international ticket was $834. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global jet fuel supplies, significantly increasing airline operating costs.
U.S. jet fuel prices reached $2.90 per gallon recently, up 16% from pre-war levels of about $2.50, and had surged about 95% since the beginning of the conflict.
Although President Trump announced a peace deal with Iran, analysts believe it may take time for gasoline prices to stabilize fully, especially considering the damage sustained to energy facilities in the region.
Experts point out that airlines are unlikely to adjust ticket prices based on daily fluctuations since base fares are determined in advance, reflecting the costs of diminishing jet fuel supplies from weeks before.
