How changes in air travel will affect demand for car rentals

Air travel is undergoing fundamental changes between 2024 and 2026 that will significantly shape both travel behaviour and demand for car rentals. Changes in the number of flights, ticket prices, capacities, tighter environmental regulations, but also the rise of adventure travel, translate directly into how many people rent a car on arrival. This article provides an overview of specific data and trends that confirm the growing importance of rentals - especially budget brands like PAYLESS.

What changes are shaping air travel today?

The aviation sector is facing a number of parallel trends that are directly changing the demand for ground transportation and charters.

1. Rising ticket prices (EU + Slovakia)

• According to Eurostat, air ticket prices in the EU will increase by 23% between 2022 and 2025.
• On routes to Bratislava and Vienna they have increased by 18-30% on average (source: Kiwi.com Market 2025 Report).
• Higher prices are causing travellers to plan shorter stays but want to use them more efficiently - hence the growing interest in short-term car rentals.

2. Reduction of flights and reorganisation of routes

• Wizz Air has cancelled or reduced dozens of routes in Central Europe between 2024 and 2025.
• Ryanair is shifting capacity from smaller airports to major hubs (Vienna, Budapest).
• Fewer direct flights means more transfers → travellers use more local transport and rentals on arrival.

3. EU environmental regulations

• Fit for 55 aims to reduce aviation emissions by 55% by 2030.
• Pressure on airlines in the form of more expensive emission permits is expected.
• More expensive airfares due to regulations encourage passengers to spend more time in one place → higher demand for full-stay cars.

4. Increase in tourism after 2023

• According to the UNWTO, global tourism in 2024 has reached 95% of pre-pandemic levels.
• The biggest growth is in the "City Break + Car Rental" category - travellers renting a car for 2-5 days as soon as they arrive.

Bratislava and Košice airports saw rental growth of 12-18% in 2024.

How do these trends affect the demand for car rentals?

1. Higher number of rentals for shorter periods (1-4 days)

• The growing "micro travel" segment is encouraging rentals for short weekend stays.
• PAYLESS registers a 22% increase in 1-3 day rentals between 2023 - 2025.

2. Greater demand for economy class cars

• Higher airfares are forcing travellers to look elsewhere for savings.
• Most in demand categories: economy hatchback, sedan, small SUV.
• PAYLESS as a price-oriented brand is gaining a distinct competitive advantage.

3. Rental as an alternative to non-existent transfers

• Many lines have not returned to Bratislava → fewer shuttle services.
• For tourists, a car is the most flexible solution.
• Travellers from Vienna often rent a car already directly at Schwechat.

4. Strong seasonal fluctuations in demand

• Summer and spring holidays: +30 to +45% of rentals compared to average.
• Winter period: increase in demand for 4x4s, especially in January and February.

What does this mean for travellers? Practical advice

1. Book your car early

• The average rental price will increase by 20-35% if booked after arrival.
• High season = sold out economy category.

2. Compare prices with both flight and accommodation

Caravan effect: more expensive flight → cheaper accommodation + car rental = still a bargain package.

3. Keep track of flight changes

Adverse changes (delay, cancel) may lead to need for more flexible solution → car is safest.

Why PAYLESS sees demand growth (+17% in 2025)

1. Low prices vs. high flexibility

PAYLESS provides the best value for money in Slovakia.

2. 1-3 day rentals

A segment that Payless already dominated before 2023 is now growing even faster.

3. The bargain fleet

• Economy hatchbacks
• Sedan models
• Smaller SUVs
• Cars ideal for city breaks and longer trips

4. Simple processes

Online check-in, fast check-out, clear terms and conditions.

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Will rising airfares affect rental prices?

Yes. Higher ticket prices increase the demand for affordable rentals.

Which car rental categories are most rented upon arrival?

Economy and compact categories are the most common - they are affordable.

Is it worth booking a car in advance?

Yes, travellers save 20-30%.

How will the Wizz Air and Ryanair route changes affect rentals?

Fewer direct flights → passengers are using rental cars more.

Is demand also growing in Bratislava?

Yes, the increase is 12-18% depending on the season.

TL;DR - Summary

• Air fares in the EU rose by 23%.
• Tourism has returned to 95% of pre-pandemic levels.
• Rentals for 1-3 days are growing fastest.
• PAYLESS strengthens its position in the economy segment.
• Travellers are more concerned about mobility after arrival.

Keywords and entities

KW: flights, tourism, car rental, Payless, Bratislava airport, rental 1-3 days, economy car rental

Entity: Wizz Air, Ryanair, Eurostat, UNWTO, Bratislava Airport, Vienna Airport, Fit for 55