Airlines have increased ticket prices after a major jump in jet fuel rates. Passengers are now facing higher costs for both domestic and international travel.
Flights from Karachi to Lahore and Islamabad have seen a one-way fare increase of up to Rs10,000. As a result, ticket prices on these routes have crossed Rs50,000.
International travel has also become more expensive. Fares to Middle Eastern destinations like Dubai, Doha, and Saudi Arabia have increased by up to Rs20,000, with economy class tickets now crossing Rs400,000.
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Similarly, flights from Pakistan to cities such as Paris, Toronto, and Manchester have become much costlier. Economy class fares on these routes have gone beyond Rs750,000.
The main reason behind this surge is the sharp increase in jet fuel prices. Since March 1, jet fuel has become more expensive by Rs283 per litre, reaching a record high of Rs471 per litre.
Experts say the rising fuel cost is directly affecting airline operations, forcing companies to pass the burden onto passengers.
The situation has created concern among travelers, especially those planning international trips, as ticket prices continue to climb.
Fuel prices are the biggest reason behind this increase. Airlines have no choice but to raise fares. Travel is becoming expensive for ordinary people. If fuel prices stay high, fares may rise even more.
Fuel can account for 30-40% (or even more) of an airline’s operating expenses. When fuel prices rise sharply, airlines spend much more on running their flights.
Airlines usually cannot absorb large fuel price increases, so they raise ticket prices to cover extra costs. That’s why domestic and international fares increase after a jet fuel hike.
Flights that travel farther use more fuel, so international tickets are affected more than short domestic flights.
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Pakistan imports jet fuel, so if fuel prices rise globally or the rupee weakens, the local cost of jet fuel goes up, adding to airfare increases.
Besides fuel, airlines face rising maintenance, staff, and airport fees. When fuel costs jump, it pushes overall air travel costs higher.
