Corfu, March 29 – Aegean Airlines is set to significantly increase its flight frequency between Corfu and Athens, with up to four daily services commencing in April. This move aims to enhance connectivity for passengers, although an accompanying rise in ticket prices has also been observed across both domestic and international routes.
Increased Flight Frequency for Corfu-Athens Route
From the coming month, Aegean Airlines will operate up to four daily flights connecting Corfu with the Greek capital. This expanded schedule will be maintained through November, accommodating the extended tourism season. Previously, the airline offered three weekly flights on this route. The additional daily flight, along with the possibility of a fourth on certain days of the week, will provide travelers with greater flexibility in choosing flight times and fares.
The Corfu-Athens connection is a year-round service provided by Greek airlines, including Aegean Airlines and Sky Express. This continuous operation is a policy mandate to ensure inter-connectivity between Greek cities and islands and the capital. During the summer months, flight frequencies typically increase further to meet the demand from international tourists.
Aegean Airlines will utilize A320 and A321 aircraft for these flights, with the larger A321s primarily deployed for morning flights due to higher passenger volumes. On particularly busy days, the airline may operate A321s twice daily as operational demands necessitate.
Sky Express Maintains Daily Services
Sky Express will continue to operate two daily flights on the Corfu-Athens route, primarily using ATR42/72 aircraft. The airline also has the option to deploy A320NEO aircraft when required to manage passenger loads.
Rising Airfares Attributed to Geopolitical Factors
A significant increase in ticket prices has been noted, particularly for international flights. This surge is largely attributed to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has been active for the past month. Foreign airlines are reportedly facing substantial challenges due to rising fuel costs, which directly impact ticket prices. Many flights to and from Middle Eastern countries are operating with low occupancy rates, further exacerbating financial pressures for Gulf-based carriers, which typically operate large-capacity aircraft.
The geographical location also plays a role, as the distance between Asia, Europe, and America requires greater fuel consumption compared to shorter inter-country routes. In Greece, domestic and international airfares have also seen increases. While Greek airlines initially absorbed some of these costs, the continued conflict and economic difficulties have made further absorption unsustainable, leading to noticeable price hikes across all routes.
Impact on Travelers and Tourism
The increased flight frequency by Aegean Airlines is a positive development for travelers seeking to connect between Corfu and Athens. However, the rising cost of air travel, influenced by global events and operational expenses, presents a challenge for both airlines and passengers. The tourism sector, a vital part of the Greek economy, will be closely monitoring these developments as it prepares for the peak season.
Source: Start Media Corfu
