August M
Air travellers across Europe are likely to face higher ticket prices in the coming months as airlines struggle with soaring jet fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran.
Industry leaders say the disruption caused by instability in the Middle East is already affecting fuel markets and could continue well into next year.
Fuel concerns
According to the BBC, International Air Transport Association chief Willie Walsh said rising oil and jet fuel prices would inevitably be passed on to passengers.
“There’s just no way airlines can absorb the additional costs they’re experiencing,” Walsh told the broadcaster.
The situation follows disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global energy supplies. European countries, including the UK, rely heavily on fuel imports connected to the Gulf region.
While some airlines have temporarily lowered fares in Europe to encourage bookings, Walsh warned that such discounts would not last if fuel prices remain elevated.
Summer pressure
The aviation industry is also monitoring concerns about possible fuel shortages during the busy summer travel season.
Walsh told the BBC that airlines in Britain could face challenges if alternative fuel supplies are not secured quickly enough.
“You normally expect to see a 25% increase in flights and fuel requirements in the months of July and August,” he said.
Despite those concerns, Walsh stressed there was “no reason to panic” and said widespread cancellations could still be avoided.
The UK government said airlines had indicated they were not currently facing fuel shortages and added that suppliers maintained emergency fuel reserves.
Lasting disruption
European authorities have also been searching for ways to reduce pressure on fuel supplies.
Last week, the European Union said there was no regulatory obstacle preventing airlines from using US-grade jet fuel if introduced carefully.
According to the BBC, EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said officials did not expect severe shortages immediately, although longer-term supply risks could not be ruled out.
Walsh warned that damage to oil infrastructure and interruptions to crude shipments in the Gulf could keep prices elevated for months.
“Whichever way you look at it, I think this issue will continue for a number of months to come, and may indeed continue into next year,” he told the BBC.
Sources: BBC
