Air travel connects the world but varies significantly in cost across countries. The Aviation Price Index reveals the most and least expensive places to fly, considering factors like demand and seasonality. The United Arab Emirates, Finland, and Qatar top the list of priciest destinations, while understanding these cost variations helps travelers plan strategically and manage their budgets effectively.

Air travel has become an integral part of modern life, connecting people across cities, countries, and continents. From domestic hops to long-haul international flights, air travel involves airplanes, jets, and helicopters, all modes capable of sustaining flight. While air travel provides speed and convenience, it is also one of the most expensive forms of transportation globally. Airline companies, licensed to operate in specific countries, charge widely varying fares depending on domestic or international routes, competition, and demand.

As per the findings by Kiwi.com, and also reported by World Atlas, flight costs were compared across 75 of the world’s busiest countries. The study identified both the cheapest and the most expensive places to fly, giving travellers a clearer picture of where air travel puts the biggest dent in a budget.

Understanding the aviation price index

Flight prices are not fixed, they are calculated using yield management algorithms that adjust fares based on demand, seasonality, and other factors. While travellers often try to secure lower fares by booking during off-peak seasons or specific times of the day, this approach is largely dependent on trial and luck.

Other factors, such as fuel prices, route popularity, and airline competition, significantly affect ticket costs.

The Aviation Price Index compiles data from domestic and international flights in 75 of the world’s most frequently traveled countries. For domestic travel, the average cost was measured from a country’s main city to five other major cities. International flights were assessed based on costs from a country’s primary airport to other international airports. Both low-cost and full-service carriers were included, and travel prices were analyzed during on- and off-peak seasons.

The index calculates average ticket cost per 60 miles of travel, offering a standardized way to compare air travel expenses across countries.

The 10 most expensive countries for air travel as per the findings are:

United Arab Emirates – Average cost $105.71 per 60 miles

Finland – Average cost $50.98 per 60 miles

Qatar – Average cost $50.37 per 60 miles

The Netherlands – Average cost $42.35 per 60 miles

Japan – Average cost $41.48 per 60 miles

Canada – Average cost $38.71 per 60 miles

Belgium – Average cost $38.07 per 60 miles

Denmark – Average cost $37.86 per 60 miles

Austria – Average cost $36.91 per 60 miles

Switzerland – Average cost $36.84 per 60 miles

Other expensive destinations include:

The Netherlands – $42.35 per 60 miles

Japan – $41.48 per 60 miles

Canada – $38.71 per 60 miles

Belgium – $38.07 per 60 miles

Denmark – $37.86 per 60 miles

Austria – $36.91 per 60 miles

Switzerland – $36.84 per 60 miles

These countries are marked by high living costs, limited domestic flight options in some cases, and a preference for full-service carriers, all of which contribute to elevated ticket prices.

Why understanding air travel costs matters

The Aviation Price Index highlights the impact of competition, demand, and seasonality on airfares. Travelers can use this information to plan trips strategically, choosing when and where to fly based on cost trends. In countries like the UAE or Finland, even short domestic trips can be significantly more expensive than long-haul flights in other regions.

By knowing which countries are costly for air travel, travelers can also make informed decisions about delaying flights, choosing low-cost carriers, or planning trips during off-peak periods. Understanding ticket pricing patterns ensures that air travel becomes more predictable and manageable for both leisure and business travelers, helping them plan smarter and save money on future journeys.

Countries have changed their names throughout history. The reasons vary – political, cultural, or social changes. These changes often symbolize a shift in their national identity, or a break from a colonial past, or a historical narrative. Let’s take a closer look at some of the countries that changed their names, and also explore the unique reasons behind it.

Siam to Thailand

Thailand was previously known as Siam. This name, which is said to have originated from a Sanskrit word, Syam, was adopted by the Portuguese from the 16th century, according to History Today. In 1939, Phibun officially changed it to Thailand to reinforce national unity and identity. The name ‘Thailand’ translates to ‘Land of the Free’ in Thai.

Ceylon to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was formerly named ‘Ceylon’. The name Ceylon was given by the British. They erased the colonial name in 1972 and instead adopted Sri Lanka. The name, derived from the Sinhalese language, means ‘resplendent land’.

Burma to Myanmar

In 1989, the ruling military government changed the country’s name from Burma to Myanmar. This change was fueled by a need to shed the colonial past and bring a unified identity. However, the change led to controversy, and many viewed it as an attempt by the military government to legitimize its rule.

Czech Republic to Czechia

In 2016, the Czech Republic changed its name to Czechia. According to the authorities, it is a more convenient and easier name to be used in international events and for companies. The new short name Czechia, is preferred by international companies and used in marketing campaigns; however, the official name remains the Czech Republic.

East Pakistan to Bangladesh

In 1971, East Pakistan became Bangladesh after the Bangladesh Liberation War. The country declared independence from West Pakistan and formed the new nation of Bangladesh. This change also signifies their distinct cultural and linguistic identity.

Persia to Iran

Iran was formerly known as Persia. Though the name Iran was commonly used by its people for centuries, it became official in 1935. The name traces back to the 3rd century word Eran, which meant ‘of the Aryans’. This change was initiated by Reza Shah Pahlavi, and it signifies a new beginning, modernization, and the securing of its indigenous identity.

Turkey to Türkiye

In 2022, Turkey changed its name to Türkiye. The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, officially informed the United Nations that it would be known as Türkiye in all languages. “The word ‘Turkiye’ represents and expresses the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way,” the Turkish President said. This change was initiated to rectify the country’s image and make it more attached to the cultural roots etched in Turkish history.

Holland to The Netherlands

The names Holland and the Netherlands have been used interchangeably. Holland was never the official name, but it is the name of two of the country’s 12 provinces (North Holland and South Holland), which include major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. As it is historically and economically significant, the name Holland was often used for the entire country. However, in 2019, the Dutch government stopped using Holland in its international branding and rebranded as ‘The Netherlands’.

Republic of Macedonia to North Republic of Macedonia

In 2019, the Republic of Macedonia changed its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. This was a diplomatic compromise to end a long-standing dispute with Greece, because the latter has its own region called Macedonia. The new name resolved this issue and led to improved relations and NATO membership.

Swaziland to Eswatini

In 2018, as it celebrated its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain, Swaziland changed its name to Eswatini. The name Eswatini means the ‘land of the Swazis’ in their local language, siSwati. The change is a departure from the colonial past. People also confuse Swaziland with Switzerland, which was another reason for the name change.

These are some of the abandoned places that were turned into some of the famous tourist spots from around the world. These spots should definitely on your bucket list.

From deserted ashrams to forgotten towns, abandoned places hold a strange, haunting beauty. Many of these sites have been transformed into popular tourist destinations, attracting history buffs, photographers, and curious travellers alike. Here are 6 fascinating abandoned places from across the globe you can visit.

Beatles Ashram, Rishikesh, India: Once home to the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram where The Beatles stayed in 1968, this spiritual retreat is now open to the public. Visitors can explore graffiti covered meditation huts and soak in the serene jungle vibes.

Bodie Ghost Town, California, USA: A perfectly preserved Wild West town, Bodie is now a California State Historic Park where you can see saloons, homes, and schools as they were left decades ago.

Hashima Island (Battleship Island), Japan: Once a coal mining hub, this island was abandoned in the 1970s. Today, guided tours take you through crumbling apartment blocks that inspired dystopian movie sets like Skyfall.

Kolmanskop, Namibia: This once thriving diamond mining town is now a ghostly desert landscape. Visitors can wander through sand-filled homes, capturing surreal photos of nature reclaiming human spaces.

Pripyat, Ukraine: Abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster, Pripyat is a chilling time capsule of Soviet life. Tourists can visit the eerily quiet amusement park and decaying buildings frozen in time.

Varosha, Famagusta, Cyprus: Once a glamorous Mediterranean resort city, Varosha was abandoned after the 1974 Turkish invasion. It recently opened to visitors, allowing a glimpse into a seaside paradise left to decay.

If the holidays sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control, you’re not alone. And if the Grinch has stolen your spirit and good intentions, try some of these tips to reclaim your ho-ho-ho and stay happy and healthy.

1. Keep up healthy habits.

Make a pact with yourself during the holidays. Decide that you’ll move more and do something active every day over the next three weeks. Take it a step further, and pledge to start the day with a healthy breakfast, limit the sweets and get at least seven hours of sleep each night. If you don’t completely give up your healthy habits, you won’t feel like you have to start over once the holidays are over.

2. Beware of seasonal sweets.

The holidays often dish up extra helpings of less-than-healthy treats. Try preparing healthy snacks that are ready to eat when the urge to snack strikes. If you’re hosting a holiday party, challenge yourself to make delicious and healthier options using our recipes and cooking tips.

3. Stay active.

Instead of beating yourself up about missing a workout, sprinkle some healthy activities into your daily routine. For example, if the weather isn’t too frightful and you’re working from home, ride your bike around your neighborhood during a lunch break. If dinner is going to be a feast, opt for a light lunch, then take a vigorous walk. And keep the family moving. When the kids are home from school, squeeze in some active chores and trips to the park.

4. Take time for yourself.

Give yourself the gift of peace. If you need some downtime to recharge, declare a “me-treat” and do something that relaxes you. Try yoga, meditation or spending time in nature.

5. Make a plan for the new year.

Your poinsettia’s pooped and the gifts are all gone. Now what? It’s a great time to reset for the new year – but don’t go dashing through your to-do list too fast, or you might not stick to your plan. Lay out realistic, sustainable steps for the months ahead. For example, start a daily walking routine and sign up for a Heart Walk before you set your sights on that marathon.