Pakistani air travelers are facing a serious financial blow as all major airlines have sharply increased their ticket prices following a dramatic rise in jet fuel costs. The crisis has been triggered largely by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted Gulf airspace and sent global oil prices soaring.
Jet fuel costs jumped from Rs. 176 to Rs. 417 per liter, and overall costs for some airlines have risen by up to 100 percent. Domestic routes have seen steep increases, with a one-way ticket from Karachi to Islamabad or Lahore now costing up to Rs40,000.
PIA has introduced a $10 fuel surcharge on domestic flights, while international routes face higher fees, $100 for Canada, $75 for the UK, and $50 for Saudi Arabia and Gulf routes. Private airlines have also implemented surcharges ranging from $15 to $150.
Passengers traveling on chance seats are facing even steeper costs, with fares increasing by up to 150 percent. International fares on economy class to destinations including the Middle East, Toronto, Paris, and Manchester now range between Rs300,000 and Rs700,000.
Since the start of the Middle East war, around 325 flights of Pakistani airlines have been cancelled, including about 200 operated by PIA. Services to Kuwait, Qatar, Dubai, and Bahrain remain suspended.
Aviation experts warn that further increases are likely if global oil prices continue to climb, leaving ordinary passengers in a very difficult situation.
