Airfares on key long-haul routes are rising sharply as ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupts traditional flight paths and forces airlines to reroute passengers through Asian hubs.
According to travel reports, Cathay Pacific recently quoted AUD $39,492 for a business-class seat from Sydney to London, with seats reportedly selling quickly despite the extraordinary price.
The surge in fares comes as travellers increasingly avoid major Middle Eastern transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, which normally handle a large share of Europe-bound traffic from Australia and Asia.
As a result, airlines and passengers are turning to alternative routes through Hong Kong, Singapore and Seoul, where demand for premium seats has surged.
Industry observers say several factors are pushing prices higher. Airlines are facing rising fuel costs, while premium cabins on long-haul flights are filling rapidly due to the sudden shift in travel patterns. In addition, many carriers are taking longer detours around conflict zones, increasing operational costs and reducing available capacity.
With strong demand and limited seat availability, airlines currently have little incentive to offer discounts, particularly in business and first-class cabins.
Travel experts warn that passengers planning trips between Australia and Europe in the coming weeks may face significantly higher fares, especially on routes that bypass the Middle East.
Source: DMARGE
Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.
