Summer travelers heading to Europe can look forward to significantly cheaper flight tickets compared to last year. According to recent data released by the comparison portal Check24, prices for flights to the 30 most popular European cities have dropped by approximately 9% compared to the summer of 2024. This welcome news comes as airlines increase capacity and competition intensifies on popular routes, benefiting holidaymakers across the continent.
Among the most notable price drops is the coastal city of Zadar, Croatia, where flight prices have plummeted by an average of 36%. Zadar’s “high density of offers,” as described by Christian Meier, Managing Director of Flight at Check24, has created a buyer’s market for travelers looking to enjoy the Adriatic coast without breaking the bank.
London also saw a significant price reduction, with average flight costs falling by 20%, from around €237 in 2024 to just €190 this summer. Similarly, Alicante in Spain is experiencing a 19% decrease in flight ticket prices. Despite strong demand, cities like Alicante and Porto continue to become more affordable due to increased airline capacity and competitive pricing strategies.
This trend of lower prices amidst high demand may seem counterintuitive, but Check24 explains that airlines are expanding their offerings on popular routes to attract more customers. The increase in available seats has led to more intense competition among carriers, which in turn drives prices down.
“Numerous cities with strong passenger demand, including Alicante and Porto, are seeing price reductions,” Meier said. “This is a clear indication of growing capacity and competition.”
Check24 recommends travelers be flexible and explore multiple destinations within the same country to find the best deals. For example, flight prices between different cities in Spain, Italy, and Greece can vary by hundreds of euros, even though these cities are geographically close.
“Especially within a country, it’s worth looking at alternatives,” Meier advised. “Flight prices between two cities often differ significantly.”
Last-minute travelers are also encouraged to remain flexible with their departure dates and destination choices to maximize savings.
In addition to European destinations, Check24 released a ranking of the top long-haul destinations for summer 2025. The United States remains the most popular choice for travelers, followed by Thailand and Canada. Japan has climbed the ranks from sixth place last year to fourth, signaling growing interest among German holidaymakers.
With flight prices dropping across Europe, now is the perfect time to plan your summer vacation. For those interested in budgeting their entire trip, including accommodation and daily expenses, check out our detailed guide on which European countries are cheaper to visit than Germany. This guide offers valuable insights to help you make the most cost-effective travel decisions this season.
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