New Delhi, May 02: Airfares to the UAE and wider Gulf are set to see sharp rise due to increase in fuel costs and reduction of operations in view of the security situation in the region. Travellers could also face reduced flight frequencies of Indian carriers, aviation sources said. India has held jet fuel prices steady for domestic flights while sharply increasing rates for international operations.
Airfares to the Gulf have surged significantly due to regional conflicts, rising jet fuel costs, and increased war-risk insurance premiums for airlines. Tickets from India to the Gulf, which typically range from ₹10,000–₹15,000, have soared to ₹50,000 or more in some cases. This sharp increase is driven by airspace restrictions, flight rerouting, and high demand, making travel to the region much more expensive.
The aviation sector is already feeling the heat. Airlines are also being forced to reroute flights to avoid conflict zones in West Asia. This means longer flying times, higher fuel consumption, and reduced aircraft utilisation, resulting in fewer flights on some routes and higher operational costs, both of which push fares up further.
The move comes as airlines worldwide face a jet fuel crunch driven by the Middle East conflict and supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude rising to about $111 a barrel on— up sharply from around $65 before the conflict escalated — amid stalled efforts to resolve the war.
India will reduce its international flight operations through June and July as rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices and ongoing airspace restrictions have made several long-haul routes financially unviable. According to an internal communication, the airline has already trimmed services in April and May and will further scale back schedules in the coming months. The decision comes amid heavy losses and increasing operational costs driven by higher fuel prices, longer rerouted flight paths, and geopolitical airspace constraints affecting efficiency.
