Airlines Raise Fares, Cut Flights Amid Fuel Price Surge

Travelers around the world are confronting higher airfares, increased fees and reduced flight schedules as airlines grapple with surging jet fuel prices triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East. The conflict, which intensified in late February near the Strait of Hormuz, has disrupted global oil supplies, leading to sharp fluctuations in energy costs that are reshaping air travel options.

The volatility stems from military actions creating a chokepoint for oil shipments through the strait, a vital artery for international trade. Oil prices recently peaked above $119 per barrel before dropping below $95 following a two-week ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump, which temporarily reopened the route. However, Iran subsequently closed it again in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon, sustaining uncertainty. According to the International Air Transport Association, average global jet fuel prices climbed to $209 per barrel last week, more than doubling from $99 at the war's outset.

Airlines are adjusting cautiously to these swings, with experts noting a delay of months or up to a year before fare changes fully reflect market shifts. "Volatility is the real story...