More seats, cheaper fuel cut airfare costs for Aussies
Cheaper jet fuel and more seat availability have driven down prices for Australian jetsetters and the price relief is expected to continue.
Domestic economy airfares were 12 per cent cheaper in the first two months of 2025 than the same time last year, data compiled by corporate travel advisers FCM Consulting shows.
That represents $29 off the average ticket price.
The price drop comes despite the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission claiming limited domestic competition was helping the country's dominant airline groups - Qantas and Virgin - boost their profit margins.
While Qantas Group earnings before tax soared to $1.5 billion in the last six months of 2024, and Virgin Australia also announced record profits, market dynamics since the new year have benefited travellers.
Globally, jet fuel is down almost 17 per cent compared to the 2024 average, driven in part by economic uncertainty from Donald Trump's trade war curtailing demand for oil.
Fuel is the largest operating cost for airlines, so fluctuations flow through to airfares.
Ongoing weakness in jet fuel prices will continue to put downward pressure on airfares in coming months, the ACCC predicts.
FCM Consulting director Felicity Burke said Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region had experienced sharper drops in fares compared to the rest of the world.
"We've been saying for a long time now that global capacity increases and other factors like jet barrel cost reductions would go hand-in-hand with airfare price drops in various regions, and this is one of several reasons that we're now seeing this come to fruition," she said.
Airfares for the "golden triangle" route between Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane remained fairly flat - a consequence of higher demand resulting in the fewest spare seats between the major capitals.
Prices shot up post-COVID as airlines struggled to keep up with a sharp rebound in demand but have moderated as more seats were brought online.
Global capacity in May was seven per cent higher than 2019 and five per cent higher than the same time last year.
International economy airfares out of Australia dropped five per cent in January and February compared to the same period last year, while business class tickets fell three per cent.
More routes are set to launch in the second half of this year, with Virgin's partnership with Qatar Airways adding further competition on the highly-trafficked Australia to Europe corridor.
"Through this partnership with a world-leading global airline, we expect to not only create more choice for travellers but also drive healthy competition, which typically helps to place downward pressure on fares over time," a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.
Qantas will also launch new routes in late 2025, including Adelaide to Auckland and Perth to Auckland and Johannesburg.
Cases of tourists being detained and deported by US border security have spooked travellers.
Graham Turner, the chief executive of FCM owner Flight Centre, said leisure travel bookings to the US dropped by up to 15 per cent in the first three months of the year.
But it has had little effect on airfares to the US which fell by about three per cent, largely in line with the rest of the world.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Expert's advice to motorists concerned that petrol prices will surge
Australian motorists worried about tensions in the Middle East affecting prices at the pump have been sent a clear message: 'Fill up now.' US President Donald Trump's administration carried out an attack on three nuclear sites in Iran on Saturday. It comes after Israel launched attacks on Iran earlier this month. Oil prices are expected to rise as a result of the escalation in conflict, however experts have spoken out to ease fears of immediate surges. 'It's really important for Australians today to understand that what we have seen again over the weekend, while it is another escalation above and beyond the escalation we saw the weekend before it, this is the Middle East,' NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said. 'Unfortunately, flare-ups are all too often and all too common.' The regional benchmark for oil in Australia, Tapis, is expected to increase in price by tonight, Khoury said. 'We don't know by how much,' he said. Based on what we're seeing out of the US, it could be $3 or $4 a barrel.' A possible way for Iran to retaliate against the US and Israel is to close off the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is a vital trade route used to transport 20 per cent of the world's crude oil, or about 20 million barrels per day. The Iranian parliament has backed closing the strait in response to the US attacks, though this must be approved by Iran's national security council. Oil prices could shoot above $100 per barrel if the strait is closed for a prolonged period, according to Goldman Sachs and consulting firm Rapidan Energy. JPMorgan analysts view the risk of Iran closing Hormuz as low because the US would view such a move as a declaration of war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday called on China to help prevent Iran from closing the strait. Rubio said it would be 'economic suicide' for Iran to close the strait because the Islamic Republic's oil exports also pass through the waterway. Currently, it remains open. Khoury said this is 'the most important thing'. 'We do not want Australians panicking,' he said. 'Yes, there is speculation about what could happen in the next days and weeks, but it is the Middle East and anything can happen. 'The other important thing for Australians to know tonight is that if you live in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, fill up now.' A combination of prices being at or near the bottom of the cycle and turmoil in the Middle East mean now is the time to buy. 'Prices are either in the high $1.60s or in the low $1.70s,' Khoury said. 'That has everything to do with the domestic price cycles in those capital cities. 'The wholesale price in Australia has gone up about eight cents a litre since two Fridays ago when the escalation really flared up between Israel and Iran. 'It will go up again, is the expectation, based on the US decision to attack Iran over the weekend. 'But it's only gone up eight cents a litre in the last week and a bit. 'There's a lot of speculation about what could happen. It's really important that Australians focus on what is happening. 'And what is happening if you live in those bigger cities is that prices are pretty good.' NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury has urged Australian motorists not to panic, but to fill up now for the cheapest petrol prices. Credit: 7NEWS Khoury advised motorists to check fuel prices near them and find the best deal. 'You can find some real bargains,' he said. 'On any given day, there can be huge gaps in the price of the cheapest service station and the price of the most expensive. 'In Sydney today, it's 70 cents a litre. 'Regardless of what's going on in the Middle East or anywhere else, and regardless of where we are in the price cycle, do your research, use the information that you have access to that motorists in other countries don't have. 'We fought hard to get that made public. It's there for you to use.' When asked when the conflict overseas will affect local prices, Khoury said it normally takes about seven to 10 days. Our service stations are yet to buy the more expensive barrels but when that happens, it will have a flow on effect. 'The NRMA will be monitoring those prices really carefully over the next days and weeks, because what we won't tolerate, obviously, is oil companies manipulating what's going on overseas to put their prices up any higher than they should go,' he said. Khoury also emphasised that even if the strait is closed, it would not create a similar crisis to those caused by other recent global conflicts. 'In 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia being the second-largest producer of oil,' he said. 'That created an initial shock.' 'Obviously, the world was going to enforce sanctions, and they did. That created an even bigger shock. 'At the same time that that happened, the COVID supply crisis that affected the whole world hit its peak. So we all came out of COVID lockdown at the same time. 'The whole world came out of lockdown at the same time. Demand for oil spiked. Supply could not keep up. So we had probably the worst supply issue or challenge in our lifetime. 'And then Russia invaded Ukraine. 'All of those things had to happen at the same time for Tapis, our regional oil price, to hit $133 a barrel. 'It's currently at $76 a barrel. 'So to get back to those record high prices that we saw back in 2022, you would need a catastrophe at that level to affect global supply. 'We're not there yet, clearly, based on oil prices and the wholesale price. 'And I think that's what we want Australians to focus on tonight.' -With NBC
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Call for laws to stop harm to consumers, firms online
Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February. Australia needs new laws and regulations to prevent significant harm to consumers and businesses from the exploitative practices of US tech giants. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the warning in its final Digital Platform Services report on Monday, following five years of monitoring social networks, online marketplaces, app stores and search engines. The 408-page report issued six recommendations but also raised future areas of concern including a lack of competition in cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) services, and risky behaviour involving online video games. The report comes six months after the federal government launched a public consultation into digital competition proposals, and after several tech firms complained to US officials about Australia's current digital media laws. The commission's tenth and final report highlighted four existing and two new recommendations to address anti-competitive and harmful behaviour from online platforms, and chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said existing laws were not equipped to protect Australians. "While these services have brought many benefits, they have also created harms that our current competition and consumer laws cannot adequately address," she said. "This is why we continue to recommend that targeted regulation of digital platform services is needed to increase competition and innovation and protect consumers in digital markets." Existing recommendations included a ban on unfair trading practices, enforceable codes of conduct for designated digital platforms including competition protections, and mandatory processes to help consumers, including removing scams and harmful apps, verifying advertisers, and introducing a digital ombudsman to handle disputes. A consumer survey conducted for the report found more than eight in 10 Australians supported the introduction of an independent dispute resolution body to handle complaints. Support was highest for the policing of general online marketplaces, like Amazon, Temu and eBay, followed by social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and online messaging platforms. The report also recommended the continued monitoring of online services and a permanent Digital Platform Regulators Forum comprised of existing media regulatory bodies to collaborate on streamlined legal reforms. Future areas of concern for the commission included the regulation of digital video games, such as the risk of accidental in-game spending, consumer harm from paid loot-boxes, and clear purchasing contracts. The report also noted concerns about a lack of competition in generative AI services and cloud computing, which could be dominated by firms including Amazon, Microsoft and Google. "Harms to competition in the generative AI sector could hamper innovation, result in lower quality products and services, and force Australian businesses and consumers to pay more than they otherwise would to utilise this technology," Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The report completes the inquiry called by then-treasurer Josh Frydenberg in February 2020, and the Labor government has since committed to several changes based on its recommendations, including a ban on unfair trading practices. The government's consultation into proposed digital competition changes, including laws to govern app marketplaces, online advertising and social media, closed in February.
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Voters want AFL stadium deal redo but leaders unmoved
An AFL stadium deal worth close to $1 billion is on the nose with most voters in one state but neither the premier or his would-be replacement are sniffing the electoral breeze. With a snap election weeks away, Tasmanian voters were surveyed on their attitude to a contentious deal struck with the AFL to build a $945 million roofed stadium at Macquarie Point. The Hobart stadium is a condition of the licence for the Devils' inclusion in the competition in 2028. The online poll of 842 voters, conducted by YouGov on behalf of progressive think tank The Australia Institute from June 12 to 16, indicates most Tasmanians believe the stadium deal is unfair. More than two out of three (69 per cent) support Tasmanian parliament renegotiating with the AFL to avoid constructing a new stadium. Support to renegotiate was even stronger among Labor supporters (71 per cent). Liberal voters were the most likely to disagree (38 per cent) but a majority (56 per cent) still backed the proposition. More than two-thirds of those surveyed also believed the AFL was treating Tasmania unfairly in its requirements for granting the state a licence. The AFL has been staunch in its refusal to renegotiate the deal, declaring the stadium a non-negotiable condition. The Australia Institute's Leanne Minshull said the deal was a "dud" and one of the most one-sided in Australian sport. "This state deserves to have a team in the AFL, but Tassie taxpayers don't want to be on the hook for a billion-dollar indoor stadium they don't want," she said. Some analysts have described the July 19 state election as a referendum on the stadium, but Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have been unwilling to budge on their support. Mr Rockliff was sticking to his guns on Monday, dismissing the poll as "bodgey" and "anti-jobs". "This week we would've been putting forward legislation to in fact get on with the job and build the stadium ... (but) unfortunately Dean Winter and Labor forced the election," he told reporters. Mr Winter also reaffirmed his support for the stadium while criticising the way the AFL deal came together without cabinet approval or treasury advice. "This has been a problem that Jeremy Rockliff has created and it's a problem that now needs to be dealt with seriously and methodically," he said. Mr Rockliff separately revealed one of two Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships was expected to arrive in August. The vessel has been docked in Scotland for six months after his government unsuccessfully tried to lease it. The other has been undergoing sea trials in Finland, with Tasmania to officially take ownership during the week. The ferries won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth has not been built in Devonport. The Spirit of Tasmania debacle was one of the reasons cited by Labor in its successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff. An AFL stadium deal worth close to $1 billion is on the nose with most voters in one state but neither the premier or his would-be replacement are sniffing the electoral breeze. With a snap election weeks away, Tasmanian voters were surveyed on their attitude to a contentious deal struck with the AFL to build a $945 million roofed stadium at Macquarie Point. The Hobart stadium is a condition of the licence for the Devils' inclusion in the competition in 2028. The online poll of 842 voters, conducted by YouGov on behalf of progressive think tank The Australia Institute from June 12 to 16, indicates most Tasmanians believe the stadium deal is unfair. More than two out of three (69 per cent) support Tasmanian parliament renegotiating with the AFL to avoid constructing a new stadium. Support to renegotiate was even stronger among Labor supporters (71 per cent). Liberal voters were the most likely to disagree (38 per cent) but a majority (56 per cent) still backed the proposition. More than two-thirds of those surveyed also believed the AFL was treating Tasmania unfairly in its requirements for granting the state a licence. The AFL has been staunch in its refusal to renegotiate the deal, declaring the stadium a non-negotiable condition. The Australia Institute's Leanne Minshull said the deal was a "dud" and one of the most one-sided in Australian sport. "This state deserves to have a team in the AFL, but Tassie taxpayers don't want to be on the hook for a billion-dollar indoor stadium they don't want," she said. Some analysts have described the July 19 state election as a referendum on the stadium, but Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have been unwilling to budge on their support. Mr Rockliff was sticking to his guns on Monday, dismissing the poll as "bodgey" and "anti-jobs". "This week we would've been putting forward legislation to in fact get on with the job and build the stadium ... (but) unfortunately Dean Winter and Labor forced the election," he told reporters. Mr Winter also reaffirmed his support for the stadium while criticising the way the AFL deal came together without cabinet approval or treasury advice. "This has been a problem that Jeremy Rockliff has created and it's a problem that now needs to be dealt with seriously and methodically," he said. Mr Rockliff separately revealed one of two Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships was expected to arrive in August. The vessel has been docked in Scotland for six months after his government unsuccessfully tried to lease it. The other has been undergoing sea trials in Finland, with Tasmania to officially take ownership during the week. The ferries won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth has not been built in Devonport. The Spirit of Tasmania debacle was one of the reasons cited by Labor in its successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff. An AFL stadium deal worth close to $1 billion is on the nose with most voters in one state but neither the premier or his would-be replacement are sniffing the electoral breeze. With a snap election weeks away, Tasmanian voters were surveyed on their attitude to a contentious deal struck with the AFL to build a $945 million roofed stadium at Macquarie Point. The Hobart stadium is a condition of the licence for the Devils' inclusion in the competition in 2028. The online poll of 842 voters, conducted by YouGov on behalf of progressive think tank The Australia Institute from June 12 to 16, indicates most Tasmanians believe the stadium deal is unfair. More than two out of three (69 per cent) support Tasmanian parliament renegotiating with the AFL to avoid constructing a new stadium. Support to renegotiate was even stronger among Labor supporters (71 per cent). Liberal voters were the most likely to disagree (38 per cent) but a majority (56 per cent) still backed the proposition. More than two-thirds of those surveyed also believed the AFL was treating Tasmania unfairly in its requirements for granting the state a licence. The AFL has been staunch in its refusal to renegotiate the deal, declaring the stadium a non-negotiable condition. The Australia Institute's Leanne Minshull said the deal was a "dud" and one of the most one-sided in Australian sport. "This state deserves to have a team in the AFL, but Tassie taxpayers don't want to be on the hook for a billion-dollar indoor stadium they don't want," she said. Some analysts have described the July 19 state election as a referendum on the stadium, but Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff and Labor leader Dean Winter have been unwilling to budge on their support. Mr Rockliff was sticking to his guns on Monday, dismissing the poll as "bodgey" and "anti-jobs". "This week we would've been putting forward legislation to in fact get on with the job and build the stadium ... (but) unfortunately Dean Winter and Labor forced the election," he told reporters. Mr Winter also reaffirmed his support for the stadium while criticising the way the AFL deal came together without cabinet approval or treasury advice. "This has been a problem that Jeremy Rockliff has created and it's a problem that now needs to be dealt with seriously and methodically," he said. Mr Rockliff separately revealed one of two Spirit of Tasmania replacement ships was expected to arrive in August. The vessel has been docked in Scotland for six months after his government unsuccessfully tried to lease it. The other has been undergoing sea trials in Finland, with Tasmania to officially take ownership during the week. The ferries won't be in service until late 2026, years behind schedule, because a berth has not been built in Devonport. The Spirit of Tasmania debacle was one of the reasons cited by Labor in its successful no-confidence vote against Mr Rockliff.
