Domestic airfares surge up to Rs 5000, Intl tickets jump Rs 28000

Airlines across Pakistan have increased ticket prices sharply following a surge in global jet fuel costs, industry sources said. Domestic fares have risen by Rs 2,800 to Rs 5,000, affecting flights from Karachi to Lahore, Islamabad, and other major hubs.

International travel has seen even steeper increases, with fares jumping Rs 10,000 to Rs 28,000, depending on the destination. Flights to the Middle East and Central Asia now cost Rs 15,000 more, while tickets to destinations such as Toronto and Manchester have surged by Rs 28,000, taking one-way fares above Rs 250,000.

Aviation analysts attribute the hikes to a significant increase in jet fuel prices, which rose Rs 154 per liter to reach Rs 342 per liter—an 82 percent jump in recent days. “The rise in operational costs leaves airlines no choice but to adjust fares,” said an industry expert. The fuel price surge follows a broader increase in petroleum costs in Pakistan.

The government recently raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 55 per liter, bringing petrol to Rs 321.17 per liter and diesel to Rs 335.86 per liter. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar explained that the decision came after international oil prices escalated due to a widening conflict in the Middle East, intensified by recent attacks on Iran and involvement from Turkey and Azerbaijan.

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik described the increase as a “difficult but necessary” measure to secure the country’s energy supply amid global market instability. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reportedly urged Pakistan to implement immediate increases in petrol and diesel prices during recent virtual talks with government officials. Sources said the IMF’s recommendations added pressure on the administration to pass higher costs onto consumers.

Travelers are already feeling the impact, with many expressing frustration at soaring fares. “A one-way ticket to Europe now costs more than my monthly salary,” said a Karachi-based passenger planning a trip to Manchester. With the ongoing geopolitical tension in oil-producing regions and rising domestic energy costs, industry observers warn that airline fares may continue to climb, affecting both business and leisure travel in the coming months.