March 26, 2026 – Airlines are adjusting flight schedules and travelers should brace for higher prices as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupt air travel and send oil prices climbing. Several carriers have already begun rerouting flights and implementing surcharges in response to the recent conflict.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is the first European airline to announce flight cancellations, suspending more than 100 flights this week due to soaring fuel costs, according to Norwegian media reports. The airline is consolidating capacity on routes where alternative options exist.
The disruptions follow an escalation of conflict involving the United States and Israel in Iran. The situation has already prompted a significant increase in crude oil prices, surpassing $100 per barrel, and is expected to continue impacting travel costs. According to reports, the price of oil jumped from approximately $73 to over $100 a barrel following military actions in late February.
Airlines are responding to the increased cost of jet fuel, with some also introducing fuel surcharges. Kiwi.com reports that last-minute flight prices from the Middle East and Asia have more than doubled year-over-year in recent weeks. Flights to Prague and Vienna were approximately 113% more expensive in the first half of March compared to mid-February.
The impact extends beyond long-haul routes. Several airlines have announced temporary suspensions of flights to the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, with cancellations expected to last at least a week. This decision highlights ongoing market volatility and the sensitivity of the travel industry to geopolitical events.
The situation is also impacting package holidays, with some travel companies introducing new fees. This has drawn criticism from customers who view the charges as exploitative. The current crisis is reshaping the aviation landscape, forcing airlines to adapt to a new reality of higher fuel costs and increased uncertainty.
