Impact of disruption from Iran war may be felt into 2027 even if strait of Hormuz reopens, says aviation body boss
Increases in air fares for travellers in Europe are “inevitable” over the peak summer period because of the high cost of jet fuel, according to the head of the international aviation body.
While some airlines faced with weak demand have reduced their European fares recently, Willie Walsh, the former British Airways boss who leads the International Air Transport Association, said there was no way carriers could absorb the extra costs in the long run.
He told the BBC there was no need to panic over potential jet fuel shortages this summer, and believes that widespread cancellations of flights can be avoided. But he warned rising fuel prices would inevitably push up ticket prices.
Even if the strait of Hormuz were to reopen tomorrow, the impact of disruption caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran could still be felt into next year, he said. Iran’s effective closure of the strait, a main shipping route, has sent the cost of jet fuel soaring.
