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SriLankan making adjustments as West Asian crisis affects airlines globally
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinghe
Airfares have risen sharply in recent months due to escalating global fuel costs linked to the conflict in West Asia.
A flight that would typically cost around Rs. 50,000 to Chennai is now significantly higher; Air India charges around Rs. 134,000, SriLankan Airlines around Rs. 86,000, and the lowest fare, offered by IndiGo, is at Rs. 70,000.
SriLankan Airlines says ticket prices have increased by as much as 149 to 150 per cent globally. SriLankan Airlines Corporate Communications Chief Deepal Perera said the current pricing environment reflects a broader global trend affecting all carriers.
“Due to the West Asian conflict, international prices have gone up drastically. This is not unique to us. Airlines globally are facing the same issue,” he said.
Mr Perera said the spike in jet fuel prices has had the most significant impact on airline operations, with additional costs emerging from increased insurance premiums and extended flight durations due to rerouted airspace.
“For instance, our London flights now take about two hours longer than before. This means higher fuel burn and greater operational expenditure,” he noted.
The rise in fares has also dampened leisure travel demand. According to Mr Perera, travel is increasingly becoming necessity-driven.
Operational adjustments are also underway with the airline consolidating flights on routes with low passenger demand while increasing frequencies to destinations showing more traffic. “In some cases, if passenger numbers are insufficient, we combine flights to avoid losses. At the same time, we are increasing capacity where demand is high,” he explained.
Cargo operations have similarly been affected.
“When we carry more fuel, we have to curtail cargo. However, we are seeing increased demand for cargo services to destinations like the Maldives and Bangladesh,” Mr Perera added.
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