War’s latest impact on travel: Flight tickets in Europe to get pricier

The incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace raises not only security concerns but may also hit travellers’ wallets. Airlines could face higher operational costs due to enforced detours and stricter safety measures, which may lead to more expensive flight tickets, experts caution.

Drones in Polish airspace

Several Russian drones were shot down over Poland on Wednesday with the support of NATO aircraft. This marked the first instance of a NATO member state taking direct action since the onset of the Russia–Ukraine war. During the incident, Warsaw’s Chopin and Modlin airports, as well as regional airports in Rzeszów and Lublin in eastern Poland, were closed temporarily; traffic has since resumed. However, the Polish government has imposed flight restrictions near the Ukrainian and Belarusian borders until 9 December.

For safety reasons, airlines may opt for more westerly routes, schedule flights during daylight hours, and carry additional fuel to prepare for potential diversions. These measures resemble cautionary protocols commonly employed in the Middle East.

• Wizz Air gives up base in European capital and terminates multiple flights

Rising flight ticket costs, longer routes

Even before the war, airspace over several regions was problematic. Airlines have had to avoid Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, India, Pakistan, and parts of Africa. Each additional minute of flight time adds an average of USD 1.56 to operational costs; longer routes are already increasing flight ticket prices by dozens of dollars.