Arabic version: زيادة أسعار تذاكر الطيران بنسبة 24% بسبب الصراع في الشرق الأوسط
According to BBC News,
Air fares have surged by nearly a quarter, with the lowest-priced economy tickets now costing 24% more on average than they did a year ago, according to new research from the consultancy Teneo. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to airspace restrictions, forcing airlines to reroute flights and consequently increasing fuel consumption.
Additionally, disruptions to oil supplies have resulted in a significant rise in fuel costs, with jet fuel prices escalating from about $85-$90 per barrel to $150-$200 in recent weeks. Fuel expenses can account for up to a quarter of airlines’ operating costs, heavily impacting overall ticket prices.
The report indicates that the most substantial increases in ticket prices have been observed on routes between Europe and East Asia. For instance, a flight from London to Melbourne in June now costs 76% more than last year, while tickets from Hong Kong to London have risen by 72%.
Airlines operating out of the UK have issued warnings that if the conflict continues or escalates, they may need to reduce flights, further driving up fares. They have urged the government to implement measures to mitigate the disruption caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Requested actions include classifying fuel shortages as “extraordinary circumstances” to avoid compensation payouts, cutting or suspending Air Passenger Duty, and easing restrictions on night flights and runway slot allocations.
Airlines UK, representing major carriers like EasyJet and British Airways, has sent a confidential briefing document to ministers outlining these demands. They also suggest prioritizing jet fuel production in refineries and temporarily allowing the import of Jet A fuel, which is not currently permitted in the UK but could help alleviate supply issues.
A spokesman for Airlines UK stated that airlines continue to operate normally and are not currently experiencing issues with jet fuel supply, but emphasized the importance of government action to support the aviation industry, which has been impacted by record high jet fuel prices.
