European airline tickets face higher costs as jet fuel prices double

Since the escalation of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the price of jet fuel has more than doubled, rising from about €70‑85 per barrel to €150‑170. Europe is especially vulnerable because its refineries prioritise road transport fuels, leaving limited capacity for aviation fuel. This cost surge is squeezing airline margins, prompting some carriers, such as Lufthansa, to cut roughly 20,000 short‑haul flights, and raising concerns that ticket prices could climb further – spring fares are already 10‑15% higher and summer fares up to 18% above a year ago.

Despite the overall upward pressure, low‑cost carrier Ryanair announced a roughly 5% fare reduction for the April‑June period and intends to keep summer prices near last‑year levels. Ryanair cited “consumer nervousness” and a need to stimulate demand, noting that it holds sizable fuel inventories and uses hedging to blunt cost shocks. Other airlines, like United and American, have kept fares elevated, arguing that passengers are willing to pay more for added amenities.

The mixed response highlights how jet‑fuel price volatility is reshaping European air travel costs and route networks in the coming summer season.