五亿人上天后，低价机票正在被围剿

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese civil aviation industry is experiencing a significant shift, with a projected increase in air travel population to 500 million by the end of 2025, while still having around 900 million people who have never flown. This indicates a potential for growth but also highlights the challenges of pricing and competition in the industry [4][9][42]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The Civil Aviation Administration of China has announced measures to curb "internal competition" in the industry, specifically stating that ticket prices should not be sold below cost, which suggests a potential price increase for airfares [4][5][12]. - Since early 2025, there has been a noticeable absence of tickets priced below 200 yuan, indicating a shift in pricing strategies among airlines [6][7]. - The civil aviation industry reported a profit of 6.5 billion yuan in 2025, with major airlines like China Eastern and Air China showing positive earnings, contrasting with consumer perceptions of rising ticket prices [9][10]. Group 2: Economic Context - The call for anti-internal competition reflects broader economic concerns in China, where various industries are facing pressure to avoid price wars that could lead to financial instability [13][25]. - The profitability of airlines in 2025 is seen as precarious, with increasing operational costs and potential market pressures expected in 2026 [14][24]. - The loss of business travelers due to cost-cutting measures in companies is impacting airlines' ability to subsidize lower ticket prices, which could lead to a decrease in overall passenger numbers [21][23]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The domestic airline industry faces stiff competition from high-speed rail, which offers a more convenient and often cheaper alternative for travelers, particularly in densely populated regions [27][30]. - The pricing strategies of airlines may inadvertently push consumers towards high-speed rail, especially if airfares rise significantly [28][30]. - The historical context of air travel in China shows rapid growth in the number of air travelers, but the perception of air travel as expensive remains a barrier for many potential customers [41][42].