Airlines in Myanmar and Vietnam are scaling back operations as a surge in jet fuel prices driven by ongoing instability in the Middle East begins to disrupt regional aviation.

Myanmar’s national carrier announced on Sunday that it will cancel several domestic flights, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” While the airline did not explicitly detail the reasons, industry observers point to tightening fuel supplies as the primary factor behind the move.

In Vietnam, the Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that Vietnam Airlines will suspend multiple domestic routes starting April 1, resulting in the cancellation of around 23 flights per week. Authorities emphasized that key domestic connections and international services will continue, though discussions are underway regarding the imposition of temporary fuel surcharges on international routes.

The disruptions come as the Middle East conflict enters its fourth week, sending shockwaves through global energy markets. Rising jet fuel costs and supply constraints are increasingly pressuring airlines, particularly in fuel-import-dependent economies across Asia.

Meanwhile, United Airlines has also indicated it will trim flight capacity in response to escalating fuel prices, underscoring the global scale of the crisis.

Aviation analysts warn that if tensions in the Gulf persist, especially around critical oil transit routes the strain on airline operations could intensify further, potentially leading to broader schedule cuts and higher travel costs worldwide.

BOB Post