Pakistan’s aviation sector is under significant financial pressure as rising regional tensions have pushed global energy prices higher, increasing operating costs for airlines and flight schools across the country.
Industry sources say the situation deteriorated after reports that Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following joint US–Israel military strikes that began on February 28. The Strait is a major oil transit route, and its reported closure has contributed to a jump in international crude and jet fuel prices.
Aviation specialists quoted by local media report that Jet A-1 kerosene for commercial airliners has increased by about Rs154 per litre, while aviation gasoline used in small training aircraft has risen by nearly Rs80 per litre. Some reports put current avgas prices near Rs670 per litre. Because of these increases, Pakistani carriers have passed on part of the burden to travelers: domestic fares have climbed roughly Rs10,000–15,000, and international ticket prices have surged between Rs30,000 and Rs150,000 depending on route and demand.
Airlines are finding it difficult to fully absorb the added fuel expense, and observers warn that fares may rise further if the fuel-market volatility continues. Flight operations have already been disrupted: more than 1,600 flights from Karachi and other airports to Gulf destinations and beyond were cancelled over a 17-day period amid the uncertain regional situation.
Pilot training programs are particularly vulnerable. Aviation gasoline for training aircraft is produced at limited locations and is typically imported in bulk shipments of 16,000–24,000 litres or in 200‑litre drums. With prices up sharply, training providers have been forced to raise the overall cost of pilot instruction by nearly Rs1 million in some cases. Fuel stocks at Karachi airport training facilities are estimated to last only about a month at current consumption rates.
Aviation experts warn that if fuel prices continue to rise, operations for small aircraft and pilot training could be curtailed or suspended, which would further weaken Pakistan’s already fragile aviation sector. Carriers and training schools say they are assessing contingency measures, but the near-term outlook depends on how long the regional tensions and related supply disruptions persist.
