Dhaka, Oct. 13 -- Airfares across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East have increased sharply since the pandemic, driven largely by inflation and reduced airline competition rather than airport charges, according to a new report by Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East.

The 2025 Airfare Trends report, developed with Flare Aviation Consulting, shows that average fares in Asia-Pacific rose 8pc from the first half of 2019 to 2025, reversing the 18pc decline seen between 2014 and 2019.

In the Middle East, fares increased 15pc over the same period, compared to a 9pc decline in the five years prior to the pandemic.

The report highlights Oceania as the most expensive region for air travel, while India and China remain be...