DAYTON — Dayton International Airport showed the lowest average fare increase among major airports in the region in the first quarter, government figures released Wednesday showed.

The average air fare in Dayton climbed 8.9 percent in the first quarter compared to first quarter 2010, according to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This means the average domestic flight from Dayton rose to $342.20 from $314.12 last year, or around $28.

Meanwhile, the average fare rose 15.2 percent, or about $62, to $465 at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport; 11.6 percent, or about $35, to $333 at Port Columbus International Airport; and 11.3 percent, or about $34, to $350 at Indianapolis International Airport.

Nationally, the average air fare rose 8.4 percent to $356 one year ago, according to the bureau. Not adjusted for inflation, the average national fare in the first quarter was second highest since the bureau began tracking fares in 1995. It is topped only by the third quarter of 2008, when fares averaged $359. The prices in the survey exclude baggage fees and other costs not associated with the time of purchase.

Andrea Ewart, office manager at Huffman Travel in Dayton, said the rising fares haven’t deterred travelers.

“They might be more flexible with the dates of travel or plan a little further, though.”

She said the prices depend largely on fluctuating fuel prices. “They used to (shift prices) to keep up with competition, but there is really, in essence, less competition with all these airline mergers lately.”

Prices have been rising from a low point 10 years ago, when an economic slowdown and the 9/11 attacks pushed people away from air travel, according to the bureau.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2206 or tnavera@DaytonDaily News.com.