Flying High: Asia’s Summer Travel Boom and Price Puzzle

Beginner | July 10, 2025

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Summer Travel Takes Off in Asia

A Travel Comeback Across Asia

This summer, many people in Asia are excited to travel! Why are Asia summer flight prices so high, even though more planes are flying? There’s a big “surge” in flights, meaning many more planes are flying, and lots of people want to go on trips. Countries like China and Vietnam expect a record number of travelers. It seems everyone wants to explore new places or visit family after a long time.

Why Are Asia Summer Flight Prices So High?

But here’s the interesting part: even though there are more flights, ticket prices are still quite high for many routes. This is because of strong demand, like when everyone wants the same toy. Airlines also have limited “capacity” (not enough seats or planes) to meet this huge demand. Also, the cost of fuel and other things for airlines has gone up, which makes tickets more expensive. This situation shows the power of “supply and demand” in business.

A Mixed Bag for Ticket Prices

Some Routes Are Cheaper

For some travelers, especially those flying from the U.S. to Asia, prices have actually become a little cheaper this year compared to last year. Hopper, a travel app, noted that tickets to Asia were about 13% less expensive from the U.S..

But Others Are Still Expensive

However, for many popular routes within Asia or from Europe, prices are still much higher than they were before the pandemic in 2019. For example, a round-trip flight from London to Tokyo is much more expensive now.

The Role of Competition

In some parts, like China, airlines are adding many more flights, which creates a lot of “competition.” This can sometimes help keep prices a bit lower, even with high demand. But overall, if you’re looking to fly far, be ready to spend more money than before.

So, what does this mean for you? If you plan to fly in Asia this summer, it’s a good idea to book your tickets early. Many people are eager to travel, and airlines are trying to add more flights to meet the need. The prices might “fluctuate,” going up and down, but generally, they are still higher than what we used to see before 2020.

Vocabulary

Surge (noun/verb): A sudden and strong increase.
- Example: “There was a big surge in people wanting to fly this summer.”
Capacity (noun): The total amount or number that can be held or produced.
- Example: “Airlines are increasing their flight capacity to carry more passengers.”
Fluctuate (verb): To change often in size, amount, or quality, especially from one extreme to another.
- Example: “Ticket prices can fluctuate a lot, so it’s good to check them often.”
Pre-pandemic (adjective): Referring to the time before a widespread disease (like COVID-19).
- Example: “Flight prices are still higher than pre-pandemic levels.”
Robust (adjective): Strong and healthy.
- Example: “The demand for travel remains robust this summer.”
Disruptions (noun): Problems that interrupt an event, activity, or process.
- Example: “Staff shortages caused some disruptions to flights.”
Elevated (adjective): Higher than normal.
- Example: “We are still seeing elevated airfares to many Asian cities.”
Competition (noun): A situation in which people or organizations try to be more successful than others.
- Example: “More airlines flying on the same route can increase competition.”
Forecast (verb): To predict or estimate a future event or trend.
- Example: “Experts forecast that travel demand will stay strong.”
Allocate (verb): To give something to someone for a particular purpose.
- Example: “Airlines need to allocate more planes to popular routes.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What is happening with summer flights in Asia this year?
What are some reasons why flight prices are still high?
Are prices the same for all flights to Asia, or do they differ?
What does “limited capacity” mean for airlines and travelers?
According to the article, what should travelers do if they want to find better flight prices?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you like to travel by plane? Why or why not?
What is the most important thing for you when you book a flight (price, comfort, direct flight, etc.)?
How do high ticket prices affect people’s travel plans?
Do you think flight prices will become cheaper in the future? Why?
What can airlines do to make flying more affordable for everyone?

Related Idiom

“Supply and demand”

Meaning: The idea that the amount of a product, service, or resource that is available (supply) and the desire of buyers for it (demand) are the two main factors that determine its price.
Example: “The high summer flight prices are a classic case of supply and demand.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters, July 7, 2025