Why are Easyjet flights from Basel up to '1,682 percent' more expensive?

"During the period in question, the EuroAirport will be renovating its main runway. As a result of these works, 25 companies which regularly fly to and from this airport will suspend their operations, and only easyJet will fly to selected destinations from the airport's secondary, shorter runway."

"The airline is increasing its fares during the five-week period not only because it won't have any competition and will hold a virtual monopoly at the airport during this time. Instead, it is down to logistics and more demanding operations. That's because the secondary runway that easyJet will be using lacks an instrument landing system (ILS), which means that pilots must land visually."

"If you want to fly to Barcelona during this period, be ready to pay up to 342.42 francs – up from 27.92 you'd normally pay, so 1,126.4 percent more. And if you are heading to Palma de Mallorca, you can buy a ticket for 28.92 francs in March. In mid-April to mid-May, however, the same route costs up to 515.42 francs – that is, 1682.9 percent more."

During April 15th to May 20th, easyJet significantly increases ticket prices from Basel's EuroAirport, with fares rising between 816% and 1,682% above normal rates. A flight to London typically costing 24.42 francs jumps to 223.92 francs, while Barcelona flights increase from 27.92 to 342.42 francs. These dramatic price increases occur because the airport's main runway undergoes renovation, forcing 25 airlines to suspend operations. Only easyJet continues flying from the secondary, shorter runway. This runway lacks an instrument landing system, requiring pilots to land visually with minimum five-kilometer visibility, making operations more demanding and logistically complex during adverse weather conditions.

Read at www.thelocal.ch