Travelers Brace for Higher Airfares Amid Iran War

Experts advise booking flights early and avoiding basic economy fares as oil supply disruptions drive up jet fuel costs.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:48pm

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A bold, geometric illustration in the Art Deco style, featuring sweeping, airbrushed gradients and towering architectural forms, conceptually representing the grand scale and challenges facing the travel industry amid the ongoing geopolitical conflict.As the global aviation industry grapples with the fallout from the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, travelers must navigate a new era of higher airfares and reduced flight options.Chicago Today

As the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues, global oil supplies are being squeezed, leading to a sharp rise in jet fuel prices. This is forcing airlines around the world to reduce routes, raise ticket prices, and add new fees, leaving travelers to navigate higher airfares and potential flight cancellations when planning their spring and summer trips.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having a significant impact on the global travel industry, with airlines struggling to keep up with the surging costs of jet fuel. This is forcing carriers to make difficult decisions that will directly affect consumers, making it crucial for travelers to understand the current landscape and take proactive steps to manage their travel budgets.

The details

Airlines have already raised checked bag fees and added fuel surcharges as the global price of jet fuel increased from about $99 per barrel at the end of February to as high as $209 a barrel in early April. Several major carriers, including Air Canada, United, Delta, Air France-KLM, SAS, Philippine Airlines, and Cathay Pacific, have reduced routes and either increased ticket prices or said they would hike them further if the war keeps oil from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

  • The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran began in early 2026.
  • Jet fuel prices have risen sharply since the end of February 2026.
  • Air Canada plans to suspend service to New York's JFK airport from June 1 to October 25, 2026.

The players

International Energy Agency

The global energy organization that has warned European countries could run low on jet fuel within weeks.

Shye Gilad

A former airline captain who now teaches at Georgetown University's business school.

Henry Harteveldt

An airline industry analyst and president of Atmosphere Research Group.

Adam Morvitz

The CEO of points.me, a loyalty rewards redemption search platform.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has insisted on maintaining a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.

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What they’re saying

“It's very hard for the airlines to make predictions in this environment, so they're going to be conservative, and that's why it's likely that their prices will remain elevated for some time until things really stabilize.”

— Shye Gilad, Former Airline Captain and Georgetown University Professor

“Presuming there is a lasting ceasefire — or better yet, peace agreement — it will take a few months for normal levels of jet fuel production and delivery to resume.”

— Henry Harteveldt, Airline Industry Analyst and President of Atmosphere Research Group

“My advice to travelers is this: If you find a flight whose schedule fits yours, with a fare you can afford, and on an airline you can at least tolerate, book it. But — and I cannot emphasize this enough —do not book a Basic Economy fare.”

— Henry Harteveldt, Airline Industry Analyst and President of Atmosphere Research Group

“Remember, especially if you're traveling on the major airlines, they're going to have more ability to adjust fares. If you book too close to your travel date, you're going to pay more. The farther out you can book, the better.”

— Shye Gilad, Former Airline Captain and Georgetown University Professor

“Points are a form of wealth, and consumers should recognize that those points increase spending power.”

— Adam Morvitz, CEO of points.me

What’s next

Travelers should continue to monitor the situation as the war in the Middle East unfolds, as further disruptions to oil supplies and jet fuel production could lead to additional flight cancellations and price hikes. It remains to be seen how long the current instability will last and when normal travel patterns may resume.

The takeaway

The ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is causing significant turmoil in the global travel industry, with airlines forced to raise prices, add fees, and reduce routes in response to skyrocketing jet fuel costs. Consumers must be proactive in their travel planning, booking flights well in advance, avoiding basic economy fares, and leveraging loyalty points and rewards to mitigate the financial impact of these industry-wide changes.