The war in Iran has driven energy and fuel prices sharply higher, yet a surprising trend is emerging in European aviation: several low-cost carriers are actually cutting fares on short-haul routes. According to data from flight comparison website FlightsFinder.com, airlines such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet have reduced ticket prices by 10 to 30% over recent months.
“Our fare history shows a steady decrease in price over the last few months,” Shahab Siddiqui, founder of FlightsFinder, told Europe in Motion. He noted that routes from the United Kingdom to popular European destinations like Nice, Palma, and Barcelona have dropped by 10% to 30%.
Why Are Prices Falling?
Industry experts say the price cuts are a deliberate strategy to keep travel appealing amid weak demand and broader economic losses. The key enabler is fuel hedging, a financial practice that allows airlines to lock in fuel prices at a fixed rate for a set period. This insulates them from the immediate volatility of the oil market, which has been roiled by the conflict in the Middle East.
However, Siddiqui warned that these low fares are not sustainable indefinitely. “These agreements are set to expire in the latter half of this year, which is expected to trigger a universal price surge across all intra-European routes.”
Long-Haul Routes Hit Hard
While travellers within Europe may still find bargains, those flying to destinations outside the continent face steep increases. Key corridors between Asia and Europe have been especially affected, with prices rising by nearly 300% in recent weeks, according to FlightsFinder’s research.
The London–Singapore route saw average fares jump from around €600 to almost €1,800. A similar spike of 273% was recorded for trips from London to Bangkok. Some of the most expensive tickets are now on the Frankfurt–Singapore and Paris–Bangkok routes, where a round trip currently sells for about €2,800.
Some airlines have cancelled flights altogether; KLM pulled 50 flights due to operational costs. Others are adding surcharges: Air France and Lufthansa have introduced a €10 fee on all medium- to long-haul routes.
Rerouting and Diversions
As flying over traditional super-connector hubs like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Doha becomes riskier, carriers are diverting flights to Istanbul, Cairo, and even Addis Ababa for destinations such as the Seychelles. “Passengers are actively being rebooked onto Turkish Airlines as a result of partner alliances to stop over in Istanbul and bypass the Gulf states,” states FlightsFinder’s report.
British Airways and Cathay Pacific have increased the number of direct routes to Asia, bypassing Gulf stopovers entirely, adding extra weekly direct flights to Bangkok and Singapore. For travellers, this means longer journey times—an estimated one to four hours extra—as previously direct routes now incorporate refuelling stops or rerouting.
Practical Advice for Travellers
Travel experts recommend leaving a layover window of at least three hours, “as route congestion can knock schedules out of sync.” Booking flexible tickets is also advised to minimise disruption, and passengers should know their rights regarding refunds. Unlike within the EU, or in countries like the US and the UK, refunds are not always guaranteed globally. Check the specific laws of the country and the airline’s policies before travelling.
Another tip is to fly as light as possible. Baggage handling systems are under increasing strain as flights are unexpectedly rerouted through alternate hubs. For more guidance on navigating summer travel amid the crisis, see our guide to EU passenger rights.
The broader economic impact of the conflict is also being felt beyond aviation. The UN recently cut its global growth forecast as energy costs rise, a story we covered in this analysis. Meanwhile, the EU’s fertiliser plan highlights the deep link between energy costs and food prices, as reported here.
