ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has decided to suspend and reduce flights to Beijing, Kuala Lumpur and destinations in the Middle East over recent hikes in jet fuel prices, the airline said on Monday.
Jet fuel prices have soared from $85 to $90 per barrel to $150 to $200 per barrel in recent weeks, a financial hit for an industry where fuel accounts for up to a quarter of operating expenses.
The prices have skyrocketed because of the United States-Israeli war on Iran, which began on Feb. 28 and has disrupted global energy and cargo supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz.
PIA said on Monday its flights to Beijing and Kuala Lumpur will be suspended from April 11 and April 14, respectively.
"PIA management has taken the decision in the context of the fourth increase in expensive jet fuel," the airline said. "The entire burden of fuel prices cannot be put on passengers, so some strict administrative decisions have been taken."
The airline said "flights to Gulf countries (except for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates) are also being suspended till the end of April."
"The UAE flight operation is being limited to 16 flights weekly," it added.
Last week, jet fuel averaged at $195 a barrel, according to the International Air Transport Association, more than double the average last year. On Friday, jet fuel price in Pakistan was increased by Rs40 ($0.14), taking it to Rs517.17 ($1.86) per liter, local media reported, citing aviation sources.
"It is hoped that prices will soon return to normal at the international level, after which all affected routes will be restored," PIA said.
The airline earlier announced it was ending discounts given to students, bankers, senior citizens, journalists, retired military personnel and members of the Airports Security Force in view of the increase in jet fuel prices.
"Only children and newborns will continue to receive discounts," the airline said on Monday.
