European airline chiefs warned on Thursday that a prolonged conflict in the Middle East will lead to higher air fares as flight cancellations drive up costs and aviation fuel prices, with some carriers even flagging risks to jet fuel supplies. "The longer it goes on, the bleaker it will look," Ryanair chief executive Michael O'Leary told Reuters on the sidelines of an aviation conference. Jet fuel prices have spiked, pushing up operating costs, with European prices doubling and Asian prices up almost 80% since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. US airlines such as Delta this week warned of higher ticket prices tied to fuel costs since many American carriers have not hedged their fuel costs. Ryanair chief Mr O'Leary said European tourists may travel closer to home to avoid flying long-haul over the Middle East.

Source: Irish Examiner March 19, 2026 15:18 UTC