Since early April the number of flights taking place around the world has dropped 80%, but the moment travel bans are lifted prices could skyrocket.
Figures out today from the International Air Transport Association show air traffic is down 80% in early April, with more than two million flights now cancelled.
Worse, figures from Heathrow show passenger demand is down by more than 90%, with most of the flights taking place there full of cargo, not people.
But while passenger flights are grounded, demand is building up as people look to reschedule holidays for later in the year.
To make matters worse, when planes are allowed to take off again, there could also be new social distancing rules meaning fewer occupied seats per plane.
An industry expert said airlines would therefore be forced to pass on the increased prices.
"There are currently cheap fares available but this pricing is based on a full plane," the expert told the Telegraph.
"The profit margin on a single seat is around £5 on average, so it is inevitable that ticket prices will have to go up to maintain this, if only a proportion of seats are allowed to be sold."
And it won't for just a couple of weeks either, with the expert adding that inflated prices could be expected to last months as airlines seek to retain profit.
Given IATA figures show airlines have lost an estimated $314 billion since the coronavirus pandemic began, it could mean cheap flights might not return for months after travel bans are lifted.
As to when travel will be allowed again, the trade body, which represents airlines such as Lufthansa and British Airways owner IAG, said it expects domestic markets to be the first to reopen, as has happened in China, with international routes following gradually.
