The Journal. Why Air Travel Costs Will Continue to Rise
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Apr 27, 2026 
Matthew Dalton, a WSJ energy geopolitics reporter, tracks how the Iran conflict and Strait of Hormuz disruptions sparked a global jet fuel squeeze. Alison Sider, a WSJ airline reporter, follows the fallout for fares and fees. They dig into blocked refining, shrinking backup supplies in Asia, Europe’s scramble, route cuts, and why pricey air travel may stick around.
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Why The Hormuz Crisis Hit Jet Fuel So Hard
- The crunch is not just about crude oil; it is also about refined jet fuel stranded behind the Strait of Hormuz.
- Matthew Dalton says Gulf refineries on the wrong side of the strait normally supply a large share, and about 20% of world jet fuel stopped reaching markets.
Asian Airlines Are Already Rationing Fuel
- Asian carriers are already changing operations because China kept more jet fuel at home instead of exporting it.
- Matthew Dalton says Vietnam and Myanmar cut flights, while Pakistan told airlines to arrive with extra fuel to avoid local refueling.
Europe Switched Refineries To Maximum Jet Fuel Mode
- Europe is trying to avoid shortages by pushing refineries to maximize jet fuel output.
- Matthew Dalton visited Shell's Pernis refinery in the Netherlands and said it had switched to a jet-fuel-max setting instead of making more diesel or gasoline.