Problems for travellers

Jan Grzywna

The end of May is the time everyone at our school has been waiting for since September. In just a month, the long-awaited summer vacation will begin. During that time, many of us students and our families plan to travel by plane as it is the fastest and often the most convenient way to get around. However, this year’s summer break may look different than usual, and it is all because of the ongoing conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel.

Although the war is taking place thousands of kilometres away from Poland, people all around the world are already beginning to experience its far-reaching consequences. The biggest problem is the sharp rise in the prices of crude oil and jet fuel, largely caused by tensions around the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Since the outbreak of the conflict and the growing threat of a blockade in the region, jet fuel prices have nearly doubled in many parts of the world (1). This is a huge problem for airlines, as fuel accounts for one of the largest portions of their operating costs.

Experts warn that if the situation does not stabilize, air travel will become much more expensive than it was just a year ago. Many airlines have already been raising ticket prices or reducing the number of flights. Lufthansa has announced the cancellation of thousands of flights and the grounding of some aircraft to reduce fuel consumption (2).

Some routes are being extended because planes must avoid dangerous zones over the Middle East. This means longer travel times, greater delays, and additional costs for airlines. Budget airlines are among the most vulnerable. Their business model relies on very low costs and cheap fuel (3). When prices rise so sharply, many companies begin to face financial difficulties. In May, the American airline Spirit Airlines declared bankruptcy and suspended operations due to soaring fuel costs (4).

For ordinary travellers, the rising expenses for airlines mainly mean higher vacation costs. Just a few months ago, it was possible to find tickets to Spain, Greece, or Italy for just a few hundred zlotys. Today, prices on many routes are increasing almost every week, and additional fuel surcharges are becoming more and more common. Experts predict that during the peak holiday season, ticket prices could rise by anywhere from several to even dozens of percent (5).

The war is also affecting flight safety. Airlines are avoiding routes over countries involved in the conflict, forcing aircraft to take longer alternative paths. Some destinations in the Middle East have been completely suspended (6). Aviation workers admit that the situation is changing almost day by day, making it difficult to predict what the summer season will look like (7).

Armed conflicts across the ocean can ultimately affect even the everyday lives of students planning their vacations. The war between Iran, the United States, and Israel is not taking place in Europe, yet its consequences are being felt by millions of people around the world — including those who simply want to fly off on their dream holiday. All that remains is to hope that the situation will calm down in the coming months and that this year’s summer break will still be a time of relaxation rather than uncertainty and cancelled flights.