Air travellers across Europe may soon face higher ticket prices as airlines struggle with rising jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association, warned that increased air fares are becoming “inevitable” because airlines cannot continue absorbing rising fuel expenses over the long term.
Although some airlines have recently reduced fares in parts of Europe due to weaker travel demand, Walsh said the current situation would not last as operating costs continue to climb.
He explained that the aviation industry remains concerned about possible fuel shortages, particularly in the United Kingdom, during the busy summer travel season.
According to Walsh, airlines usually experience nearly a 25 percent increase in flight activity and fuel demand during July and August compared to earlier months of the year.
The closure and instability around the Strait of Hormuz have significantly affected global jet fuel prices, with Europe heavily dependent on fuel imports from the Gulf region.
European authorities are now exploring alternative fuel supply options. Recently, the European Union stated that US grade jet fuel could temporarily be used by European airlines if managed carefully.
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said immediate shortages are not expected, but warned that long term supply issues cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, Sebastien Ebel from travel company TUI Group also said major shortages are unlikely in the coming months.
Despite this, airline industry leaders believe continued disruption to crude oil supplies and damage to refining facilities in the Gulf could keep fuel prices elevated for several more months, possibly extending into next year.
Walsh stressed that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopened immediately, the effects of the crisis would continue impacting airlines and ticket prices for a prolonged period.
Government officials in the UK stated that airlines are not currently experiencing severe fuel shortages and said authorities are working closely with the aviation sector to maintain stable flight operations and avoid large scale travel disruptions.
