The US-Israel war on Iran has ignited severe turbulence in fuel markets, disproportionately impacting African airlines. With approximately 70% of the continent’s jet fuel imported via the Strait of Hormuz—now blockaded—shipping has nearly halted, removing a fifth of global oil supplies. This supply shock has sent jet fuel prices soaring. African carriers are uniquely vulnerable, as fuel accounts for 30-55% of their operating costs, compared to lower percentages for other global airlines.

The volatile pricing structure makes route planning and advance ticket sales nearly impossible, as operators risk severe financial losses if prices spike further during the ongoing crisis.

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