Middle East Conflict Increases Airplane Ticket Prices

Cathay Pacific, Air Asia and Thai Airways are among the carriers who have warned rising prices and additional fuel fees, as the war between the US, Israel and Iran has pushed up energy costs and limited access to the refinery.

The executive director of Cathay Pacific, Ronald Lam, said the company plans to increase fuel surpluses for passengers and transport of goods, stressing that the price of jet fuel has almost doubled.

Meanwhile, Air Asia announced it will temporarily increase ticket prices and fuel tariffs, stressing it will adapt to market developments.

On the other hand, Thai Airways warned investors that ticket prices could rise from 10% to 15%.

Other international carriers, such as Kantas and Air New Zealand, have raised tariffs, while the latter announced it will cancel thousands of flights from March 16th to May 3rd, affecting about 44 thousand passengers

Cancelations and disruptions of flights across the Middle East have increased the demand for alternative roads to Asia, directly affecting ticket prices.

Experts warn that reservations made in the coming weeks will be more expensive, and the number of flights has been reduced, which put additional pressure on prices.

Transport professor at University of Sydney, Rizo Mercert, said that travellers planning to fly in the coming months must reserve as soon as possible to avoid price hikes of up to 30%.

According to him, even if the conflict ends immediately, it will take about two months for airlines to feel safe to lower the prices of advance booking. /Telegraphy/