Travellers face higher airfare costs and reduced flight schedules as the Middle East conflict drives jet fuel prices skyward. Experts warn ticket prices could remain elevated for months.
Increased demand on routes avoiding the Middle East is also contributing to rising costs.
Several airlines, including Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and Thai Airways, are increasing fares to offset these hikes. Cathay Pacific's CEO noted fuel costs have doubled this month, prompting adjustments to fuel surcharges. AirAsia announced temporary ticket price and fuel surcharge increases.
Thai Airways expects airfares to rise by 10% to 15%, while Qantas and SAS have also implemented price increases. Air New Zealand has raised domestic, short-haul, and long-haul fares, and is reducing its services by 5%, cancelling over 1,000 flights.
Dozens of carriers have suspended flights to Middle East destinations. Finnair has cancelled Doha and Dubai flights and is avoiding airspace in the region. ITA Airways, KLM, and Lufthansa Group have suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai. Wizz Air has halted flights to Israel and suspended services to several Middle Eastern cities.
These disruptions are pushing up fares as demand surges for alternative routes. Cathay Pacific recently offered business class return trips from Sydney to London for nearly $25,000.