Rising airfares across Europe are becoming increasingly unavoidable as airlines struggle with soaring jet fuel costs, according to International Air Transport Association(IATA) chief Willie Walsh.
Although some European carriers have recently lowered fares to encourage hesitant travellers, Walsh warned that such discounts could not continue indefinitely.
He stated that there was “just no way airlines can absorb the additional costs they’re experiencing,” adding that “over time it’s inevitable that the high price of oil will be reflected in higher ticket prices.”
The pressure on airlines has intensified following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict involving Iran.
The disruption has sharply increased jet fuel prices and raised fears of shortages, especially in Europe and the UK, which rely heavily on fuel imports from the Gulf region.
Governments and airlines have since been seeking alternative fuel supplies to prevent disruptions during the busy summer travel season.
While UK officials insisted airlines were “not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel,” Walsh cautioned that timing remained a major concern.
Demand for flights and fuel normally rises by about 25% during July and August compared with earlier months.
According to Walsh, if enough alternative fuel is not secured, shortages could emerge during the peak holiday period.
Despite these concerns, industry leaders including EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen and Tui chief executive Sebastien Ebel said they did not expect immediate severe shortages.
However, Walsh warned that even if the Strait reopened soon, the effects of disrupted oil supplies and damaged refineries could continue “into next year.”
