Monthly rise in airfares offset by lower food prices as inflation rate is pegged at 2.8%

A 10% hike in airfares was recorded last month as official data revealed that the UK inflation rate remained at 2.8% in the year to May.

The 10.3% rise in airline prices between April and May compared with a fall of 5% between the same two months in 2025, the Office for National Statistics revealed.

However, increases in airfares, vehicle taxes and petrol was offset by lower food prices.

The movements in the cost of flights may have been influenced by the timing of Easter and the associated school holidays. 

The ONS noted: “In 2026, Easter was in early April, over a week before the April pricing period. This may have contributed to relatively low fares in April, which subsequently rose in May. 

“In 2025, Easter was in the middle of April, within the pricing period for the outward and return flights used to construct the index. This possibly contributed towards relatively high fares in April, which then fell in May."

The ONS added: “The upward effect from airfares came mainly from European and, to a lesser extent, domestic routes. 

“European flights are priced three months and one month before departure; domestic flights are priced one month before departure. 

“Flights priced three months in advance were collected before the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East on 28 February 2026. Flights priced one month in advance were collected after the outbreak of the conflict.”