Karachi [Pakistan], March 17 (ANI): Pakistan’s aviation industry is facing severe financial strain as rising tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have pushed global energy prices higher. The spike in fuel costs is hitting commercial flight operations and pilot training programmes across the country.
The situation worsened after Iran reportedly shut the Strait of Hormuz following joint US‑Israel military strikes that began on February 28. The Strait is a key oil transit route, and its closure has driven international oil prices up, creating uncertainty in fuel markets.
Aviation specialists quoted by The Express Tribune say Jet A‑1 fuel, used by commercial airliners, has risen by about Rs154 per litre. Aviation gasoline for small training aircraft has climbed by nearly Rs80 per litre. Airlines have raised ticket prices to cope: domestic fares have increased roughly Rs10,000–15,000, while international tickets have surged between Rs30,000 and Rs150,000 depending on route and demand.
Carriers in Pakistan are struggling to absorb the added costs, and observers warn further increases may be unavoidable if the crisis persists. Flight schedules have also been disrupted: more than 1,600 flights from Karachi and other airports to Gulf destinations and beyond were cancelled over the past 17 days amid the volatile regional situation.
Pilot training schools are especially hard hit. Aviation gasoline for training aircraft is produced at few locations and must be imported in shipments of 16,000–24,000 litres or in 200‑litre drums. Its price has risen to around Rs670 per litre, forcing training providers to raise the cost of pilot instruction by nearly Rs1 million. Fuel reserves at Karachi Airport training facilities are expected to last only about a month.
Aviation experts warn that continued price increases could halt small aircraft operations and pilot training, worsening Pakistan’s fragile aviation sector, The Express Tribune reports. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
