Airlines Slam Prices as Tourists Scrap Easter Trips Amid Middle East Crisis
Fuel Prices Surge as Strait of Hormuz Closes
Aviation fuel costs are through the roof as the Middle East conflict shuts down the vital Strait of Hormuz, slashing global oil supply by 20%. Crude oil prices have shot up by a third, now topping $100 a barrel. Jet fuel costs have nearly doubled, zooming from $830 to over $1,500 per ton since tensions escalated.
Major airlines like Cathay Pacific have hit travellers with hefty fuel surcharges, doubling fees on busy Hong Kong-Europe and North America routes. The Strait of Hormuz—crucial for global oil shipments—has been rocked by at least 18 attacks on vessels, sparking chaos in fuel logistics.
Holidaymakers Face Price Hikes and Trip Cancellations
Families worldwide are reeling as holiday bills skyrocket. European breaks have ballooned by around £7,500 thanks to spiking fuel prices and scrambled routes.
‘We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on this holiday,’ said Ms Earle. ‘We should get at least half of that back from Emirates eventually.’
Meanwhile, Dubai’s glitz has faded. Once bustling beaches and luxury hotels now lie empty due to missile and drone strikes. Celebs like Rio and Kate Ferdinand and Petra Ecclestone have fled, leaving the city eerily quiet.
Bargain Breaks Available—but Don’t Hang About
Destinations close to the conflict zone—Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, Egypt—are slashing prices to tempt jittery Brits. Flight and holiday firms warn demand has tanked since US-Israel airstrikes began, with no end in sight for the crisis.
- £100 for seven nights in Marmaris, Turkey, flights from Luton
- £?
- Cathay Pacific: Fuel surcharges doubled on Hong Kong-Europe/North America routes
- Qantas: Price hikes on long-haul flights via Middle East
- United Airlines: CEO warns of ‘meaningful’ profit hit; ticket prices set to soar
- Air France & KLM: Economy fares boosted by roughly £43 return
- Air New Zealand: Up to NZ$90 added on long-haul one-way fares
- SAS Scandinavian Airlines: Revised fares to cover fuel spikes
- Others: Air Transat, Air Canada, Air India, AirAsia, Hong Kong Airlines, Thai Airways, Vietnam Airlines all ramped up fuel surcharges
Energy guru Dr Amrita Sen told MPs: ‘Jet fuel prices have gone crazy, now above $300. Airlines can’t easily find alternatives, so airfares will stay high for months.’
British Airways’ parent company IAG has hedged against immediate hikes, but most airlines have pushed the extra costs to passengers. Low-cost carriers like Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2 have yet to reveal any changes.
With fuel costs skyrocketing and unrest in the Middle East unlikely to cool soon, holidaymakers face stormy skies this Easter and beyond.
