Airlines Brace for Turbulence as Iran War Disrupts Global Fuel Supplies

Travelers face higher airfares and fewer flight options as the conflict squeezes jet fuel availability worldwide

Apr. 18, 2026 at 8:18pm

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A stylized, Art Deco-inspired illustration depicting the grand scale and geometric forms of air travel, with sweeping gradients and towering perspectives, conveying the sense of uncertainty and disruption facing the industry and its passengers.As the global oil crisis squeezes airline budgets, travelers must navigate a new era of higher airfares and reduced flight options.Chicago Today

As the U.S. and Israel's war with Iran disrupts global oil supplies, airlines are being forced to significantly reduce flights, raise ticket prices, and add fuel surcharges. Experts warn that European countries could run low on jet fuel within weeks, leading to widespread flight cancellations and route reductions across the continent and beyond.

Why it matters

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having a major impact on the global travel industry, with airlines struggling to maintain normal operations and pass along soaring fuel costs to consumers. This is creating uncertainty and frustration for travelers planning trips in the coming months, as they face higher prices and fewer flight options.

The details

Many airlines have already raised checked bag fees or 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. Air Canada has announced plans to suspend service to New York's JFK Airport from June 1 to October 25 to lower its fuel costs, while other major carriers like United, Delta, Air France-KLM, and Cathay Pacific have reduced routes and increased ticket prices.

  • The global price of jet fuel increased from about $99 per barrel at the end of February to as high as $209 a barrel at the beginning of April.
  • Air Canada plans to suspend its service to New York's JFK International Airport from June 1 until October 25.

The players

International Energy Agency

The international organization that provides authoritative analysis and data on global energy markets.

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.

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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

“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

Experts say it could take several months for jet fuel production and delivery to return to normal levels, even if a ceasefire or peace agreement is reached in the Iran conflict. This means travelers should expect elevated airfares and fewer flight options to persist well into the summer travel season.

The takeaway

The ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran is having a significant impact on the global travel industry, with airlines forced to raise prices, add fees, and reduce routes due to skyrocketing jet fuel costs. Consumers will need to be proactive, flexible, and strategic in booking flights in the coming months to find the best deals and avoid disruptions to their travel plans.