The Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh, stated that the escalating crisis in the Middle East is placing significant pressure on the aviation sector, emphasizing that the current situation has “no winners.”
Speaking at an event in Brussels, Walsh underlined that attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the region have driven oil prices sharply higher, directly impacting jet fuel costs. With oil prices rising above $100 per barrel, airlines are facing a substantial increase in operational expenses.
Walsh noted that rising costs could inevitably be reflected in ticket prices. He also pointed out that security risks are disrupting operations at key aviation hubs in the Middle East, complicating flight planning. Missile and drone threats are among the factors directly affecting air traffic in the region.
Although global passenger demand remains strong, Walsh warned that potential disruptions in fuel supply could force airlines to reduce capacity. In the event of a prolonged crisis, the sector may face more structural changes, particularly in fuel procurement strategies and capacity planning.
