Jet fuel shock to push airfares up by 20–30%

Jet fuel price jumps to Rs342 per litre

LAHORE:

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel has driven up global petroleum prices, with a direct impact on aviation fuel costs and airfare expected to go up in the coming days.

According to sources at Pakistan State Oil, the price of jet fuel has surged from Rs188.93 per litre to Rs342.32 per litre, marking an increase of Rs153.39 per litre following a Rs55 per litre rise in general petroleum products.

The increase is expected to force domestic and international airlines to raise airfares by 20% on domestic routes and up to 30% on international routes. Some airlines have already submitted proposals to their finance departments, and fares are likely to rise within the next one or two days.

Fares from Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad to London could increase by up to Rs100,000, while tickets to Paris, Istanbul, New York, and Toronto may rise by Rs80,000–150,000.

Global petroleum prices are showing a rising trend, suggesting that international air travel will become more expensive. In Pakistan, more than a dozen airlines have prepared to increase fares, which could deliver a financial shock to Pakistanis travelling from abroad during the Eid holidays.

Higher jet fuel prices will also increase airlines' operational costs, placing an additional financial burden on passengers.

Limited Gulf flights resume

Meanwhile, several Gulf airlines issued travel advisories to passengers after limited flights to and from the United Arab Emirates resumed amid ongoing regional airspace restrictions due to Israeli-US and Iran conflict.

According to sources, major UAE carriers, including Emirates, Etihad Airways, Flydubai and Air Arabia, released operational updates after partially restoring flight services following the closure and gradual reopening of regional airspace.

Airlines said flights were being resumed in phases after reviewing the prevailing security and operational situation, but warned that operations would remain limited for the time being.

Passengers have been advised not to travel to airports unless they receive direct confirmation from their airline, as all flights remain subject to security checks and operational clearance.

Airlines said that flight operations are currently being conducted under a limited schedule, and further changes may be made depending on developments in the regional airspace situation.

Emirates announced that, following the partial reopening of airspace, it has resumed flights with a reduced schedule.

The airline said transit passengers travelling through Dubai will only be accepted if their onward connecting flights are confirmed to be operating.