Allowing fewer passengers on planes would undermine the business economics of budget airlines such as easyJet

Air fares could rise by 50% when the lockdown is lifted as airlines adjust to a world in which fewer passengers can be squeezed onto planes.

Last week, carriers including easyJet, Wizz, Delta and American announced that they would ensure social distancing by removing middle seats from sale, a process known as “dedensification”. For easyJet, it means the number of passengers who can be squeezed onto an A320-200s will be cut from 180 to 120.

The loss of the dreaded middle seat has a cost attached because the era of cheap flights, enjoyed for the past 25 years, is only possible because of the high density passenger loads on planes. Competitive fares offer slender margins, and profit depends on volume.

In order to break even,