Several airlines across the globe have started to steeply increase their ticket fares. The companies blame the changes on the stark rise of jet fuel costs, caused by the current conflict in the Middle East.
Before the U.S.-Israel attack on Iran, prices for a barrel of jet fuel amounted to approximately $85 or $90. Since the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, however, those prices have risen to $150 or even $200 per barrel as the war disrupts the world’s primary oil export route.
Jet fuel prices, which were about $85–$90 per barrel before the Iran attack, have surged to about $150–$200 per barrel, pushing up airline costs and ticket prices worldwide
— World updates (@fati_u48932) March 11, 2026
Due to that rise in fuel costs, airlines including Australia’s Qantas Airways, Scandinavia’s SAS, Hong Kong Airlines, and Air New Zealand have started to adapt their ticket fares accordingly. At Air New Zealand, for example, one-way economy fares rose by $6 on domestic routes, $12 on short-haul international services, and $53 on long-haul international flights.
“Increases of this magnitude make it necessary to react in order to maintain stable and reliable operations,” an SAS spokesperson told press agency Reuters when talking about the “temporary price adjustment”.
Don’t worry. If gasoline prices remain this high, no one will be able to fly anyways. Airline travel will be unaffordable. Problem solved. Thank you Trump
— gym Lockwood Show (@JimLockwoodshow) March 11, 2026
While other carriers, such as Lufthansa, Ryanair, and Finnair, have not yet been obliged to take such measures as they benefit from hedging and fixed fuel prices, fare increases might still follow if the conflict continues for too long.
“A prolonged crisis could affect not only the price of fuel but also its availability, at least temporarily,” a Finnair spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.
Challenging times
The news comes at an already challenging time for the airline industry. The conflict in the Middle East has led to the closure of several airspaces in the region, while many flight routes are rerouted out of fear, leading to higher fuel consumption. Airline share values have plummeted – although a statement made by President Donald Trump in which he said the war would be over soon caused a temporary stabilisation or even rise – and experts are raising concerns about the impact of the fuel crisis on the future of the industry, which might mean the end for some carriers.
@etihad @EtihadHelp could you please check your DMs?
— Fretes (@JuannFretes) March 11, 2026
A quick response would be greatly appreciated. If you’re unable to relocate me on another flight soon, I may need to book with another airline as prices are increasing quickly.
Airlines are not the only part of the travel industry to be feeling the consequences of the war. Fuel prices have spiked across the board, leading to an increase in petrol costs and a fear of a shortage. Organisations such as the AA and the RAC are therefore urging people to conserve fuel and cut back on non-essential journeys. Moreover, the growing international uncertainty is affecting people’s travel confidence, which might lead to a shrinkage of the travel industry in the long term if the situation continues for too long.
