Jet Fuel Shortage 2026: How the Iran War Affects Your Flights from Switzerland – A Guide
If you've tried booking a flight from Zurich to Bangkok or Singapore in the last few days, you've probably seen it with your own eyes: prices are sky-high. This isn't a temporary blip – it's the new reality amid the jet fuel shortage triggered by the war in Iran. I'm not talking about a minor price adjustment – we're looking at surcharges that really stand out on the screen. Let me, as a veteran in the industry, explain what's going on and how you can still reach your destination safely.
Why the Iran war is now hitting your ticket
Many people think a war in the Persian Gulf is far away. That couldn't be more wrong. Since late February, the Strait of Hormuz – the world's most important oil and fuel chokepoint – has been practically closed. This has set off a domino effect that hits our wallets hard. Industry insiders expect Swiss households to face extra costs of around 1,700 francs per year. A big chunk of that comes from flying.
The price of jet fuel has nearly doubled since the start of the year, now at about $1,650 per tonne. And because jet fuel is the lifeblood of any airline (making up to 30% of operating costs), carriers have to react. They can't just wave a magic wand.
The big jet fuel shortage review: What's the situation on the ground?
Before you panic: a jet fuel shortage doesn't mean planes will run out of fuel tomorrow. But supply chains are extremely strained. A technical director from a major German airline warned just last week that availability at some Asian airports is already "difficult". Imagine flying to Phuket but the fuel for your return flight is scarce. That's not a fantasy – it's a real concern for the industry right now.
Fortunately, things still look stable for us in Switzerland. Swiss and Edelweiss assure that operations at the Zurich hub are running normally. But the air is getting thinner – both on the plane and in your wallet.
The ultimate guide: How to use the jet fuel shortage to your advantage
Yes, you read that right. Even in this crisis, there are strategies to avoid getting ripped off. Here's my jet fuel shortage guide with the most important dos and don'ts:
- Book early, but stay flexible: The CEO of an Irish low-cost airline advises booking flights as early as possible. He expects prices to keep rising if the war drags on. But beware: choose flexible fares. For package holidays, a price increase of up to 8% of the total price is allowed after booking if jet fuel prices explode. That's a nasty clause many people don't know about.
- Avoid shaky hubs: Flights with connections in Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi are risky right now. Gulf carriers are struggling massively with the disruptions. Better to take a direct flight or connect through a stable European hub.
- Keep an eye on Switzerland: Swiss and Edelweiss have raised their "International Surcharge" (fuel surcharge). But thanks to smart hedging, they aren't yet at their limit. Long-haul flights to North America might offer better value for money in the short term compared to the overcrowded Asian routes.
What does the jet fuel shortage mean for summer holidays 2026?
I won't sugarcoat it: it's going to be an expensive summer. Reliable sources in the aviation industry report that flights to Bangkok or Mumbai have at times cost two to five times more. That will ease a bit, but prices will remain high. Interestingly, many Swiss travellers are rethinking their plans. Instead of flying to Australia or Thailand, the trend is shifting strongly towards local getaways or classic Mediterranean destinations. Demand for Spain, Italy, and Turkey is booming because prices there aren't going through the roof quite as extremely.
My advice: if you absolutely must go long-haul this summer, accept the extra costs as given and book immediately. Those who hesitate will either get no seat at all or pay exorbitant prices. And forget about hoping for falling prices – as long as fighter jets circle over the Middle East, the jet fuel shortage will be our constant companion.