This is far from a trivial matter. Recent statements by the CEO of Corsair highlight a very real tension in air transport: the sustained rise in the cost of kerosene. Behind this trend lies the entire economic impact of the sector, with direct repercussions for tourism professionals.
Summary
A fuel that has once again become central to the economic equation
According to the specialized press, notably Air Journal, the CEO of Corsair, Pascal de Izaguirre, warns of a sharp rise in the price of kerosene compared to the levels observed before the recent geopolitical tensions.
"It's very simple: compared to the level at which kerosene was before the conflict, prices are fluctuating between two and two and a half times that level.".
This development is profoundly changing the cost structure of airlines. Fuel, historically around a quarter of operating expenses, now represents a significantly larger share.
Without going into specific figures, the trend is clear: the weight of kerosene in costs has increased significantly, mechanically reducing the companies' room for maneuver.
This pressure is reflected in the prices
In this context, companies have few levers at their disposal. When costs increase sustainably, part of this increase eventually becomes part of the selling price.
According to the specialized press, industry players are suggesting a trend towards higher prices if these fuel price levels are maintained over time.
This is not an isolated commercial decision, but a gradual adjustment linked to the economic balance of air transport.
For tourism professionals, this means an evolution of the pricing framework, with less promotional volatility and increased pressure on entry prices.
Concrete consequences for distributors
The impact is not limited to companies. The entire value chain is affected.
For travel agencies and tour operators, rising air travel costs mean adapting their business strategies. Margins may be affected, as may customer price perception.
Offers will need to incorporate this new reality, with particular attention paid to the consistency between price and perceived value.
In this context, education becomes a key lever to support customers facing changing prices.
A more constrained environment for companies
Rising fuel prices reduce operational flexibility.
Companies may need to adjust certain frequencies, optimize their networks or make decisions on certain routes.
Promotional policies may also evolve, with a reduced capacity to offer aggressive deals during certain periods.
These adjustments remain dependent on many factors, but they reflect an underlying trend towards a more constrained model.
The impacts vary depending on the network
Not all companies are exposed in the same way.
Depending on their network, some may be less affected by additional operational constraints, such as detours related to areas of tension.
In the case of Corsair, its positioning on long-haul leisure routes may limit some indirect effects, even if the overall increase in fuel remains a determining factor.
This underlines the importance of network structure in the adaptability of companies.
A lasting change in the airline market
Beyond the current economic situation, this development is part of a broader trend.
Air transport faces a combination of factors: energy costs, environmental constraints, and transformation of business models.
In this context, the ticket price becomes a reflection of a more complex balance, where the cost of fuel plays a central role.
For tourism professionals, this means incorporating a certain stability into the rise in prices, rather than a rapid return to past levels.
Adapt your strategies now
Faced with this evolution, tourism stakeholders must adjust their approaches.
Anticipating price changes, promoting high value-added offers, and adapting sales pitches are becoming essential.
Air transport remains a pillar of international tourism, but its economics are evolving. Understanding these changes allows for better integration into sales strategies.
In this context, adaptability becomes a competitive advantage.
In short
- The cost of kerosene has increased sharply, according to industry players
- Fuel costs are a major factor in airlines' expenses
- Sustained pressure on ticket prices is likely
- Margins and business strategies are impacted
- Agencies need to adapt their offers and their messaging
- A more constrained environment for the entire aviation sector
Sources
https://www.air-journal.fr/2026-04-21-kerosene-entre-40-et-45-des-couts-le-pdg-de-corsair-previent-que-les-billets-vont-encore-augmenter-5274681.html
👉 Access all our tourism reports, statistics and analyses on Tourisme Stats.
➡️ Check out our full report on B2B Tourism to discover the key trends, figures and strategies for 2026.
👉 Stay informed about business tourism trends: subscribe to InfosTourisme Inside .
📘 Also check out our practical pages for tourism professionals .
📩 Send your press releases .
