Pakistani Airlines Increase Airfares by Up to 100% as Jet Fuel Prices Triple Amid Global Oil Crisis

Traveling by air in Pakistan has become significantly more expensive following a sharp rise in jet fuel prices, putting additional financial strain on passengers amid Middle East tensions. Airlines in Pakistan have increased fares on domestic and international routes amid a sharp rise in jet fuel costs and higher operational costs linked to the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran.

This is not just a minor price adjustment. We are talking about a massive 100 per cent increase in total ticket costs for some routes. For millions of Pakistani travelers, both within the country and overseas, this represents a severe blow to their travel budgets.

How Much Has Jet Fuel Price Increased?

The core reason behind this fare explosion is simple: jet fuel has become incredibly expensive. Jet fuel prices in Pakistan have nearly tripled, from Rs176 to Rs417 per liter, making air travel more expensive.

Date	Jet Fuel Price (Per Liter)	Change
Before Crisis	Rs176	—
Early March 2026	Rs342.37	+82%
March 26, 2026	Rs417	+137% (Total)

In Pakistan, the price of aviation turbine fuel was raised by Rs154 per litre by the government. Following the increase, jet fuel prices surged from Rs188.93 to a record Rs342.37 per litre, marking an increase of about 82 per cent. The surge has been reflected directly in ticket fares, with some airlines indicating that overall costs could rise by up to 100 per cent.

New Domestic Airfares in Pakistan: Route-by-Route Breakdown

Here is how much you will now have to pay to fly within Pakistan:

Route	Previous Fare (Approx)	New Fare (One-Way)	Increase
Karachi to Islamabad	Rs18,000 – Rs25,000	Rs40,000 – Rs61,000	Up to 150%
Karachi to Lahore	Rs16,000 – Rs22,000	Rs35,000 – Rs49,000	Up to 120%
Lahore to Islamabad	Rs8,000 – Rs12,000	Rs18,000 – Rs25,000	Up to 100%
Islamabad to Karachi	Rs18,000 – Rs25,000	Rs40,000 – Rs55,000	Up to 120%
Karachi Round Trip	Rs35,000 – Rs45,000	Rs77,000+	Up to 100%

Passengers traveling on chance seats are facing even higher costs, with fares increasing by up to 150 per cent. One-way tickets on such seats for routes between major cities are now exceeding Rs50,000.

International Flight Fare Increases

International travelers are facing an even bigger shock. International fares have also surged, with economy-class tickets to destinations including the Middle East, Toronto, Paris, and Manchester now priced between Rs300,000 and Rs700,000.

Destination	Previous Economy Fare	New Economy Fare	Increase
Middle East (Dubai, UAE, Saudi)	Rs80,000 – Rs150,000	Rs150,000 – Rs300,000	Up to 100%
Toronto (Canada)	Rs350,000 – Rs450,000	Rs500,000 – Rs700,000	Rs150,000+
Manchester or London (UK)	Rs280,000 – Rs380,000	Rs400,000 – Rs600,000	Rs150,000+
Paris (France)	Rs300,000 – Rs400,000	Rs450,000 – Rs650,000	Rs150,000+

Airline-Wise Fuel Surcharge Details

Pakistan International Airlines Fuel Surcharges

Route Type	New Fuel Surcharge	In Pakistani Rupees
Domestic Flights	$10	Rs2,800
Saudi Arabia and Gulf	$50	Rs14,000
United Kingdom	$75	Rs21,000
Canada (Toronto)	$100	Rs28,000

Private Airlines Fuel Surcharges (Airblue, Serene Air)

Airline	Domestic Surcharge	International Surcharge
PIA	$10 – $20	$50 – $100
Airblue	$15 – $25	$60 – $120
Serene Air	$15 – $30	$70 – $150

Why Have Fuel Prices Increased So Dramatically?

The root cause of this airfare crisis lies thousands of miles away in the Persian Gulf. The effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which about 20 per cent of the world's crude oil and natural gas typically passes, has roiled global energy markets.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates account for 99 per cent of Pakistan's LNG imports. With limited storage and procurement flexibility, Pakistan is especially vulnerable to this disruption. The crisis has been described as the largest disruption to the energy supply since the 1970s.

Flight Cancellations and Operational Disruptions

The crisis has gone beyond just price increases. Operations have been severely affected, with 165 flights cancelled over the past 12 days. More than 500 domestic and international flights were also grounded over the past three days, stranding thousands of passengers.

The Pakistan State Oil has refused to provide jet fuel to the cash-strapped PIA over the lack of payment of its outstanding dues, adding to the national flag carrier's serious financial woes. The current fuel crisis has led to the cancellation of more than 19 national and international flights by PIA, with over 20 domestic and international flights experiencing unusual delays.

Impact on Pakistani Travelers and Economy

For Domestic Travelers

Wedding Season Travel: Families planning trips for wedding season face Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 extra costs per person
Business Travel: Corporate travel budgets need immediate revision
Emergency Travel: Medical emergencies and urgent family matters now cost significantly more

For Overseas Pakistanis

Visiting Home: Round trips to Pakistan now cost an additional Rs100,000 to Rs300,000
Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims: Saudi Arabia route surcharges add $50 per ticket
Students Abroad: Return journeys significantly more expensive

Tips for Travelers: How to Save Money

Tip	Why It Helps
Book Early	Last-minute chance seats cost 50% more
Be Flexible	Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday) are usually cheaper
Compare Airlines	Check PIA, Airblue, and Serene Air prices before booking
Consider Alternatives	For short distances, trains or buses may be viable options
Watch for Deals	Airlines occasionally offer promotional fares

Frequently Asked Questions

How much have domestic airfares increased in Pakistan?

Domestic fares have increased by 100 per cent to 150 per cent, with one-way tickets on major routes now costing Rs40,000 to Rs61,000.

Why are Pakistani airlines increasing fares?

Jet fuel prices have nearly tripled from Rs176 to Rs417 per liter due to the Strait of Hormuz closure and the ongoing Iran war.

Which airline is cheapest in Pakistan now?

All airlines have increased fares. PIA, Airblue, and Serene Air have similar price increases. Compare before booking.

Will airfares come down soon?

Experts suggest prices will remain elevated until the Strait of Hormuz reopens and global oil supplies stabilize.

How much extra is PIA charging for international flights?

PIA has imposed fuel surcharges of $10 for domestic, $50 for Gulf, $75 for UK, and $100 for Canada routes.

Final Thoughts

The airfare crisis gripping Pakistan is a direct consequence of the largest disruption to global energy supplies since the 1970s. With jet fuel prices nearly tripling in a matter of weeks, airlines have been left with no choice but to pass these costs on to passengers.

For domestic travelers, a simple trip between Karachi and Islamabad now costs more than some international flights did just months ago. For overseas Pakistanis, visiting family has become a luxury that many may no longer be able to afford.

Experts warn that further increases may be unavoidable if the crisis continues. The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, Gulf airspace restrictions persist, and global oil markets remain in turmoil. Until these fundamental issues are resolved, Pakistani travelers should expect elevated fares and prepare accordingly by booking early, comparing options, and staying informed about the latest developments.

Disclaimer: Prices mentioned are subject to change based on fuel costs and market conditions. Always verify the latest rates with your airline or travel agent before booking.