Holiday plans hit by soaring fares
Air ticket prices surge, threatening to derail summer travel plans for millions, as travellers who expected easing fares now face sharp increases on long-haul routes.
Ticket prices on key routes between Asia and Europe have risen dramatically, with increases of up to 560% recorded in March alone, driven by disruptions linked to the conflict in the Gulf region.
War impact disrupts global air corridors
The ongoing conflict in the Persian Gulf- one of the world’s busiest aviation corridors- has severely disrupted flight operations.
Airspace closures, reduced capacity at major Gulf hubs, and rising fuel costs have combined to push air ticket prices higher, with analysts warning that elevated fares are likely to persist throughout summer and into autumn.
Prices up to 79% higher year-on-year
According to analysis by Alton Aviation Consultancy, based on data from Cirium and online travel agencies, fares for June travel across seven major Asia-Europe routes are up by around 70% compared to last year.
In some cases, the increases are even steeper. Flights from Sydney to London now exceed $1,500- roughly double 2025 levels- while other long-haul routes have nearly tripled in price.
Fares from Europe to Asia are also climbing, with June prices up to 79% higher year-on-year.
Massive cancellations and reduced capacity
The crisis, which escalated on 28 February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, has already led to around 70,000 flight cancellations.
This highlights the fragility of global aviation networks, as airlines struggle with longer routes, limited capacity and higher operating costs.
Even if the conflict ends soon, experts warn it could take up to three months for fuel prices to stabilise and for any meaningful reduction in ticket costs to reach consumers.
Key routes hardest hit
Flights between Asia and Europe have been particularly affected, especially those passing through major Middle Eastern hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha.
This corridor accounts for roughly one-third of annual passenger traffic between the two regions.
Price increases on specific routes are striking:
- Hong Kong to London Heathrow: up 560% to $3,318
- Bangkok to Frankfurt: up 505% to $2,870
- Sydney to London (“Kangaroo Route”): up 429%
Demand begins to weaken
The sharp rise in prices and ongoing uncertainty are already impacting demand.
Bookings for summer travel from Europe to the United States are down 15% compared to last year, while transatlantic bookings in the opposite direction have dropped by 11%. Travel from Asia to Europe has also declined by 4.4%.
Airlines pass costs onto passengers
Airlines are increasingly passing higher costs onto travellers, particularly due to rising fuel prices, which account for roughly one-third of operating expenses.
Major carriers including Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand have already increased fuel surcharges.
Uncertainty continues to dominate
Analysts stress that the situation is not a short-term shock. Extended routes, constrained capacity and elevated fuel costs are expected to keep fares high for months.
With ongoing cancellations, delays and route disruptions, many travellers are now reconsidering not only when they travel—but whether they travel at all.
Also read: President to announce support measures for sectors hit by Middle East war
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