Jet Fuel Squeeze Is Set to Push Summer Airfares Higher, Aviation Chief Warns

Europe’s summer travel season is heading for a pricier finish, and Willie Walsh says there is not much airlines can do about it.

The head of the International Air Transport Association said fare increases are “inevitable” as jet fuel costs stay high, even if some carriers are trying to trim prices in the short term. The former British Airways boss said airlines cannot keep eating the extra cost forever, especially with fuel markets still rattled by the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Walsh tried to cool fears of a full-blown summer travel meltdown. He said there is no reason to panic and does not expect broad flight cancellations. But cheaper tickets? That is another story.

“Over time it’s inevitable that the high price of oil will be reflected in higher ticket prices,” he said.