The sharp rise in jet fuel prices following military operations in the Middle East has significantly impacted the global aviation sector, leading to reduced flight frequencies and higher ticket costs.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports, citing Al Jazeera, that airlines are being forced to increase ticket prices and reduce the number of flights ahead of the peak summer season.
According to data from the analytical firm Cirium, airlines have removed a total of 9.3 million seats from their schedules between June 1 and September 30. These reductions span major markets, including the United States, China, Japan, Australia, and Europe. The crisis is particularly acute in the Middle East, where Qatar Airways has cut 2 million seats, Emirates 700,000, and Etihad Airways 450,000 for the June–October period. Additionally, the US low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced a suspension of operations due to rising fuel costs.
Reports indicate that jet fuel prices have surged by more than 80% since late February. This situation has been further exacerbated by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint, with the resulting 10-week crisis severely impacting global supply chains. According to statistics from the Kayak platform, the price of international flights from the US has increased by 16% year-on-year, while domestic flights have risen by 24%. Hans Jorgen Elnes, head of Norway's Winair AS, noted that prices on some Europe-Asia routes have increased fivefold.
The aviation industry remains highly sensitive to geopolitical stability in the Middle East and the security of global energy corridors. As a major energy producer and a growing international aviation hub, Azerbaijan continues to monitor these global trends closely. The fluctuations in global oil markets directly influence operational costs for international carriers operating within the region, highlighting the interconnected nature of energy security and the global transport infrastructure.
