Travellers in Kenya and across Africa could soon face higher airfares as airlines respond to surging jet fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Aviation analysts say the war in the Middle East has disrupted global oil supply routes and pushed energy prices sharply higher, forcing airlines worldwide to introduce fuel surcharges or raise ticket prices to offset the increased operating costs.
According to aviation industry data, jet fuel prices have risen dramatically since the escalation of the conflict, with aviation turbine fuel jumping from about $99 per barrel to more than $157 per barrel in recent weeks.
Fuel typically accounts for up to 40 percent of an airline’s operating costs, making the industry particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global oil markets.
Global airlines begin adding fuel surcharges
Several international carriers have already introduced new fuel surcharges or fare increases in response to the rising fuel costs.
For example, Air India recently announced a phased fuel surcharge on both domestic and international routes after jet fuel prices surged due to supply disruptions linked to the conflict. The airline said the additional charges would range from $10 for Middle East routes to as much as $90 on longer flights to Africa, depending on distance.
Other global airlines have also started adjusting ticket prices. Air France-KLM has introduced fare increases of about €50 on long-haul economy flights, while carriers in Asia and the Pacific have announced similar measures to absorb rising fuel expenses.
Industry reports show that airlines across different regions — including Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways — are either increasing fares or considering additional surcharges as oil prices climb.
Impact on Africa and Kenya
The impact is also beginning to reach African aviation markets, where airlines are already grappling with high operating costs, currency volatility, and expensive aviation fuel.
Some African carriers have started introducing temporary surcharges as jet fuel prices spike. In South Africa, low-cost airline FlySafair recently introduced a temporary dynamic fuel surcharge on tickets, citing a sharp rise in jet fuel prices following the escalation of the Middle East conflict.
Industry experts warn that if the conflict continues to disrupt global oil supplies — particularly shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil — jet fuel prices could remain elevated for months.
That scenario would likely translate into higher airfares across Africa, including in Kenya, as airlines pass on part of the additional fuel costs to passengers.
Pressure on airlines
The aviation industry has historically been sensitive to geopolitical crises because of its heavy dependence on fuel and international travel corridors.
Beyond rising fuel costs, the Iran war has also forced airlines to reroute flights away from parts of Middle Eastern airspace, adding extra flying time and further increasing fuel consumption and operational expenses.
Analysts warn that if the conflict drags on, airlines may have little choice but to raise ticket prices further or reduce flight frequencies to maintain profitability.
Travellers are likely to feel the impact
For passengers in Kenya and across Africa, the effect could be felt through higher ticket prices, particularly on long-haul international routes.
Industry analysts say fuel price shocks usually take several weeks to fully filter through airline pricing systems, meaning travellers may see gradual increases in airfares in the coming months.
If oil prices remain volatile, airlines may continue to adjust fares or introduce additional surcharges to protect their operations from the rising cost of jet fuel.
Despite the challenges, aviation experts say strong travel demand across Africa could help airlines absorb some of the cost pressures. However, travellers are being advised to book early and monitor fare changes closely as the global aviation industry responds to the economic ripple effects of the conflict.
Source: getaway.co.za
