Airfare likely to flare up as tensions intensify between Iran and Israel

Longer routes taken by airlines could translate into higher fares for air tickets by the Indian consumers.

As tensions escalate in the Middle East with Iran launching missiles into Israel on April 13, flight fare and flying time from India to Europe and other Western countries is likely to go up as airlines re-route flights.

Indian airlines Air India and Vistara had said they would avoid flying over Iranian airspace for flights to Europe and other Western countries amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and would instead take longer routes to steer clear of the conflicted area.

“Due to the current situation affecting parts of the Middle East, we are making changes to flight paths of some of our flights. Contingency routes, which are kept available to ensure operational continuity during such eventualities, are being used instead,” Vistara spokesperson told Moneycontrol.

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“We will be taking longer routes as a precautionary measure, resulting in increased travel time to reach destinations. This may result in longer flight times on certain routes and associated delays. The situation is being monitored closely and further changes will be made if required,” the spokesperson added.

Longer routes taken by airlines could translate into higher fares for air tickets by the Indian consumers. An Air India spokesperson told Moneycontrol, “We are closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East. Presently, our aircraft will operate on alternate flight paths to and from India, according to the top priority of the safety of our passengers and crew.”

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on April 12 issued a travel advisory for Iran and Israel, wherein it asked Indians to avoid travelling to both the countries till further notice.

Airlines around the globe have taken precautionary measures for the safety of its crew and passengers as tensions heighten in the Middle East. Iran has said that its attack comes as a retaliation after Israel allegedly launched airstrikes on Iran’s embassy in Damascus on April 1.

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Similar to Indian airlines, others including German carrier Lufthansa said it would not use Iranian airspace and is suspending flights to and from Tehran until April 18. Lufthansa’s subsidiary Austrian Airlines has also said it would not use Iranian airspace. Several other international carriers including United Airlines and Delta are also avoiding flights in the area until the situation comes under control.

With worsening situation in the region and expected longer routes taken by the airlines, it is expected that air prices would increase for flights from India to Europe.