Airline passengers on board after paying airfares
Airline passengers could face another round of fare increases if jet fuel prices remain elevated, the chief executive of British Airways has warned, as the fallout from the Iran conflict continues to impact the global aviation industry.
British Airways CEO, Sean Doyle, said rising fuel costs would inevitably lead to higher ticket prices, particularly for airlines operating extensive long-haul networks.
“There is no getting away from” the fact that “if fuel goes up, fares have to go up,” Doyle said.
Jet fuel prices have climbed sharply since the Iran war began in February, placing additional pressure on airlines already grappling with increased operating costs. The situation has been compounded by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route that supplies about 40 per cent of Europe’s jet fuel.
According to industry figures, jet fuel currently costs about $1,710 per metric tonne, compared with $742 per metric tonne during the same period last year, representing an increase of more than 130 per cent.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Doyle said British Airways may have to pass more of the increased costs on to customers if fuel prices remain high.
“A brand like BA, which has got a lot of long-haul, a lot of corporate, a lot of premium, we’d expect maybe to have more pass-through of prices than maybe a carrier who’s solely competing for leisure short-haul,” he said.
The airline had previously warned that fares, particularly in premium cabins, could rise to offset higher fuel expenses. Doyle indicated that further increases may be necessary unless fuel markets stabilise.
Long-Haul Routes Most Affected
Industry analysts expect long-haul services to bear the brunt of rising fuel costs, given the greater fuel consumption required for intercontinental travel.
British Airways, whose network relies heavily on international and premium travel, is among carriers most exposed to the sustained rise in fuel prices.
Despite the challenges, Doyle said the airline plans to gradually restore flights to Gulf destinations that were suspended after the outbreak of the conflict.
He noted, however, that services to Dubai are not expected to resume until October or later.
“Dubai was always our biggest winter destination. It will come back… whether it takes a year or two,” Doyle said.
Airlines Face Growing Pressure
Airlines worldwide have faced mounting operational pressures in recent months as fuel costs surged and flight schedules were disrupted.
Several carriers have already reduced services in response to the crisis. In March, Air New Zealand announced plans to cut 1,100 flights through early May, while Scandinavian airline group SAS said it would cancel around 1,000 flights, primarily on domestic routes.
The financial strain has also raised concerns about the viability of some carriers.
Last month, Ryanair’s finance chief said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if a number of airlines collapsed before the end of the year as fuel costs continue to rise.
The aviation industry is closely monitoring developments in the Middle East and ongoing ceasefire discussions, with airlines hoping that improved stability could ease pressure on fuel supplies and help curb further increases in ticket prices.
How the US-Israel/Iran war started
Tribune Online reports that the current Iran war began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on targets across Iran.
The offensive targeted key military, government and nuclear-related facilities, marking a major escalation in long-standing tensions between Tehran, Washington, and Tel Aviv.
The conflict quickly intensified after Iranian authorities confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the attacks, while Iranian officials accused both countries of attempting to weaken the country’s leadership and military capabilities.
In response, Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Israel, U.S. military installations, and allied countries in the Gulf region.
Tehran also moved to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, triggering global concerns over energy supplies and economic stability.
Since then, the conflict has expanded beyond direct military exchanges, affecting regional security, international trade and diplomatic relations, while ceasefire and peace negotiations between the three countries and Pakistan-mediator have struggled to produce a lasting settlement.
What is Trump saying about a peace deal?
Tribune Online reports that Iran on Sunday launched multiple waves of missiles at Israel, escalating tensions in the Middle East as Tehran warned that further attacks would continue for days and could expand to include more targets linked to Israel and the United States.
The Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) described the strikes as a warning to Israel, saying the action was a response to what it called Israeli aggression, including an earlier attack on Lebanon.
Amid renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump said both sides were seeking an end to hostilities.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: “Both sides, Israel and Iran, are looking to do an immediate CEASEFIRE! Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.”
Trump also warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against actions that could derail peace efforts.
According to reports, Trump told Netanyahu: “I said, ‘Bibi, you better be careful, or you will be on your own very soon’,” signaling that Israel could be left to confront Iran wit
hout U.S. backing if the current attacks continue and undermine ongoing negotiations.
