Regional Tensions in Middle East Disrupt Afghan Airlines' Flights, Surge Fuel Prices

Regional tensions in the Middle East, including Iran's attacks on several Gulf countries, have disrupted air travel and affected Afghan airlines.

Officials at Kam Air, a private Afghan carrier, said they have canceled multiple flights to Dubai, Qatar and Kuwait due to the situation. Aircraft fuel is now in short supply, with prices per ton rising from $1,100-1,300 to $2,000-2,400.

Suleiman Omar, Kam Air's commercial manager, said: "Due to the current problems that have arisen in the region, Kam Air airline was forced to cancel many flights to countries such as Kuwait, Qatar, and some to Dubai, and passengers also faced many problems because of this."

The fuel cost increase has added economic pressure on airlines, raising operational expenses for domestic and regional flights. Kam Air officials warned that ticket prices could rise if the situation persists and urged the government to provide subsidies and exempt fuel and ticket taxes.

"It is suggested that the Afghan government, like other countries in times of crisis, think about 'subsidies', and Afghanistan can also exempt fuel and ticket taxes," Omar said.

Economic experts warned of broader impacts on Afghanistan's aviation sector. Qutbuddin Yaqubi said: "The aviation sector forms an important revenue and economic part of Afghanistan, and unfortunately, due to the situation that has arisen in the region, especially in the Middle East, this sector has been affected to some extent, and if this situation continues, this sector may suffer more losses."

Sair Qureshi added: "This situation raises the costs of airlines, and on the other hand, the reduction in the number of flights and disruptions cause the supply of services to decrease, the result of which impacts the increase in ticket prices and limits people's access to travel."

Gulf countries have imposed flight restrictions and route changes amid heightened security, while rising global oil prices have driven up aircraft fuel costs.