World · Middle East · 2 hrs ago
Middle East conflicts push up Swiss fuel costs and could raise airfares
Conflicts across the Middle East have spread beyond the initial war involving Israel, the United States and Iran, according to political scientist Marcus Schneider.
The region includes important routes for air travel and oil and gas shipments, so further disruption could affect people far beyond the conflict zones.
In Switzerland, petrol has already risen from 1.64 to 2.11 francs per litre since February, according to the TCS.
Swiss airlines are avoiding some airspace, and Swiss says only a few routes to Asia are currently available.
Longer detours use more fuel, while aviation expert Hansjörg Bürgi says kerosene costs have doubled compared with last year and expects ticket prices to rise.
Switzerland’s strong franc and relatively low energy use offer some protection to its economy, according to KOF expert Jan-Egbert Sturm.
Swiss is currently operating its flights as planned, and travellers are advised to follow official guidance, consider flexible bookings and check for direct flights.
Middle East conflicts have pushed Swiss petrol prices higher, and aviation experts warn that airfares could also rise.
The TCS says petrol has increased from 1.64 to 2.11 Swiss francs per litre since February.
The conflicts threaten important oil and gas transport routes and have led airlines to avoid some airspace.
Swiss says it has made no new route changes and is keeping its planned Dubai flights from 27 October.
KOF expert Jan-Egbert Sturm says Switzerland is better protected than many countries by its strong franc and low energy intensity.
- Who
- Swiss consumers and travellers are affected. Airlines, including Swiss, are managing the impact on flights.
- What
- Middle East conflicts have raised Swiss petrol costs, while longer flight routes and higher fuel costs could push up airfares.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026; petrol prices have risen since February.
- Where
- Switzerland and the Middle East, including air routes through the region.
- Why
- The conflicts affect oil and gas transport routes and restrict available flight paths, increasing fuel use and costs.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The TCS says petrol rose from 1.64 to 2.11 Swiss francs per litre.
20 Minuten reported that the conflicts were affecting Swiss petrol and travel, with possible further pressure on prices.
Swiss planned to resume its Dubai flights, according to the article.
- Petrol price
- Rose from 1.64 to 2.11 Swiss francs per litre since February, according to the TCS
- Kerosene costs
- Doubled compared with the previous year, according to aviation expert Hansjörg Bürgi
- Airline costs
- Fuel accounts for about one-third, according to Bürgi
- Swiss routes
- No new route changes; Dubai flights were still planned to resume on 27 October
- Swiss economy
- Strong franc and low energy intensity offer more protection than in many other countries, according to KOF expert Jan-Egbert Sturm
What people are saying
What began as a war by Israel and the United States against Iran has now widened.
Kerosene costs have doubled compared with last year.
The situation is volatile and can change rapidly.






