Flight Prices Plummet After Holidays as Airlines Add Capacity

Airfare prices from Israel are set to drop significantly following the Sukkot holiday period, with round-trip tickets to popular European destinations like Rome falling by as much as 75%. For instance, a flight to Rome, which can cost around $620 during the holidays, is expected to decrease to approximately $160 afterward. Similar price drops are anticipated for flights to Budapest, Athens, and Tbilisi.

This decrease is attributed to a combination of factors, primarily the drop in demand after the holidays and the return of more foreign airlines to Israel, increasing flight capacity. As airlines aim to fill more seats, they are incentivized to offer lower prices. This trend is particularly noticeable on shorter routes to cities like Rome, Budapest, Athens, and Milan, where competition among airlines is high.

Major airlines such as Wizz Air are expanding their operations in Israel, and other European carriers are resuming or increasing their flight frequencies. The return of airlines like Delta and United to the New York route, alongside existing carriers, is adding thousands of seats weekly and fostering price competition.

Flexibility with travel dates is key to securing lower fares. While booking a day or two in advance has minimal impact, shifting travel from the holiday period to mid-October or later can result in substantial savings. Travelers who are flexible with dates and opt for flights with one stop can find significantly cheaper tickets compared to those seeking direct flights on specific dates.

It is important for travelers to consider the final price after adding potential fees for baggage, seat selection, and other services, especially with low-cost carriers. However, even with these additions, the substantial base fare reduction often leads to significant overall savings.