Now may be the best time for Canadians to buy airline tickets because prices are expected to rise this summer, according to an expert in the aviation industry.

John Grade, a lecturer at the Supply Chain Networks College at McGill University in Montreal, said that domestic prices in Canada will be much higher in July and August than they are today.

He added, “Book now, current prices will not be available in the summer.”

Gradek explained that Canadians are currently enjoying the benefits of the local price war as airlines try to attract travelers at this time of year when travel is low.

He indicated that the two very low-cost Canadian airlines Lynx Airg and Flair Airlines are leading the price cuts, with other airlines not far behind.

Gradek confirmed that the very low-cost airlines are not making any profits from current prices and one of them is likely to face either bankruptcy or acquisition.

Fuel pricing can also affect airline ticket prices, as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a new fuel being developed to reduce industry emissions, and Gradek said the industry is looking for different ways to reduce its costs, including hedging and pre-purchasing fuel.

He added, “Fuel prices will actually have a significant impact on airline ticket prices.”

Gradek explained that the strong demand for travel and airline profitability we saw last summer should repeat this year, due to a potential recession and lower disposable income.