Malaysia's transport minister said some Malaysian airlines may have to suspend some flights if aviation fuel prices continue to rise due to conflicts in the Middle East.
Disruptions to energy supplies caused by the war in Iran have sent oil and gas prices soaring, creating headwinds for the aviation industry. Jet fuel accounts for nearly half of airlines' operating costs, Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said after meeting with airline management, airport operators, jet fuel suppliers and aviation regulators to discuss how to deal with price pressures.
He added that in the short term, the ministry aims to ensure that air cargo services, especially for essential goods such as food, continue to operate under increasingly severe conditions, especially in the lead up to Eid al-Fitr.