Islamabad, Pakistan — Airfares in Pakistan are facing fresh upward pressure as jet fuel prices have surged dramatically due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, forcing airlines to pass on higher costs to passengers. Aviation experts say fuel now accounts for 30 to 40 percent of operating expenses, and the sharp increase has already led to domestic ticket prices rising by Rs10,000 to Rs15,000 and international fares climbing by Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 on many routes. Some airlines have introduced fuel surcharges ranging from $10 to $100, while services to several Gulf destinations remain suspended or rerouted. The development adds to the challenges faced by travellers and exporters ahead of Eid ul Fitr, with passenger volumes on certain Gulf routes already showing a decline.
The federal government is considering ending the freeze on petrol and diesel prices as jet fuel and kerosene costs rise sharply and fall behind global
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Key Highlights
- Jet fuel prices have risen sharply, pushing domestic airfares up by Rs10,000–15,000 and international fares by Rs30,000–40,000.
- Airlines have introduced fuel surcharges and cancelled or rerouted flights to affected Gulf destinations.
- Passenger traffic from Pakistan to some Gulf countries has declined, while Europe-bound travellers face longer routes and higher costs.
- Flying schools and pilot training centres are also seeing increased expenses due to higher jet fuel prices.
- Exporters, particularly of fruits and vegetables, are worried about rising air cargo rates, with additional charges of Rs50 per kilogram reported.
The situation is especially difficult for families planning Eid travel and for businesses relying on air cargo. Many passengers heading to Europe are now forced to take longer, more expensive routes via Turkey or other countries, with some tickets costing several hundred thousand rupees more than before. Meanwhile, exporters have raised concerns that higher cargo rates could hurt shipments of perishable goods and affect their competitiveness in international markets.
An aviation official told Dawn, “Domestic ticket prices have increased by Rs10,000 to Rs15,000, while international fares have gone up by Rs30,000 to Rs40,000. Further increases are likely if global oil prices continue to rise.”
Pakistan International Airlines and other carriers are trying to maintain essential connectivity, particularly to Saudi Arabia, while adjusting operations to manage rising costs. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is exploring ways to support the aviation sector and protect travellers from excessive price shocks. As the region remains volatile, airlines and passengers alike are hoping for an early resolution to the conflict so that normal travel and trade can resume smoothly. The coming days will be critical in determining how the industry navigates these challenges while keeping services accessible for the people of Pakistan.
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