Iran War Drives Up Air Fares as Fuel Costs Surge
The war with Iran has disrupted oil supplies, a trend already reflected in rising air fares. According to Transport & Environment (T&E), fuel costs have increased by an average of €88 per passenger on long-haul flights from Europe and €29 on flights within Europe.
The analysis compares prices in mid-April with levels before the conflict began at the end of February. Fuel costs rose by €26 per passenger on a Barcelona–Berlin flight and by €129 on the Paris–New York route.
Airlines are warning of a busy season as aviation fuel prices have exceeded $100 per barrel. There is also a risk of flight cancellations if disruptions persist. Several carriers have already indicated that they will pass higher costs on to passengers.
The European Union is planning to respond with guidelines to address fuel supply constraints, while also pushing for greater energy independence, particularly through investment in clean fuels.