Air fares in the UK are predicted to rise by up to £5, as airlines look to recover costs from compensation claims in the wake of the Thomson court ruling earlier this month.
Fares with charter flights are likely to increase more than scheduled flights, as the rate of delays to charters is more than double the rate of scheduled carriers. A substantial proportion are technical delays.
A UK CAA spokesman said: "It’s difficult to estimate what this might cost passengers. It’s up to each airline."
Joanna Kolatsis of legal firm Hill Dickinson said: “It is inevitable air fares will rise as the costs of handling these claims increase. There is simply no other way for airlines to recover the costs. Ryanair implemented a Regulation 261 levy on tickets and, while unpopular at first, it has gathered growing sympathy among airlines.”