The average price of economy-class tickets stood at 971 yuan (about 121 euros) on April 27, up 12.9% from 2025 and 23.2% higher than in 2019, according to the news portal Yicai.
The data also indicates a slight decline in the days leading up to the holiday, which runs from May 1 to 5, with the average price falling from around 1,000 yuan (125 euros) recorded on April 22—a trend interpreted by some users as a “drop” in prices on certain routes.
However, industry sources cited by the same outlet note that this is not a widespread decline, but rather normal adjustments based on demand, following higher initial fares.
The price increase follows the rise in fuel surcharges implemented since early April, which set surcharges of 60 yuan (8.50 euros) for flights under 800 kilometers and 120 yuan (15 euros) for longer distances.
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Despite cost pressures, the industry expects operations to proceed “as usual” during the holiday, with a flight schedule similar to last year’s, the China Air Transport Association recently indicated.
The price hike comes amid the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of China’s energy imports pass, increasing uncertainty in the markets.
The war has already directly driven up energy and logistics costs in the country, forcing authorities to intervene temporarily to limit fuel price increases.
The worsening situation in the Strait of Hormuz, subject to intermittent blockades involving Iran and the United States, has fueled additional concerns, as this route carries about 45% of China’s oil and gas imports.
