Qantas Airways to pay A$105 million for travel voucher refund claims from Covid-19 pandemic class action lawsuit
Qantas Airways has announced an agreement to pay A$105 million (approximately £55 million or $74 million) for claims related to its handling of travel voucher refunds during the Covid-19 pandemic. This settlement stems from a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of affected passengers whose flights were canceled between 2020 and 2022. Instead of receiving cash refunds, these travelers were issued travel credits by the airline, leading to allegations of unlawful practices. The legal action highlights the frustration of numerous passengers who sought refunds after their travel plans were disrupted due to the pandemic. Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argued that... [Continue Reading]
British holidaymakers stranded abroad due to flight cancellations amid US-Israel conflict and restricted airspace
British holidaymakers are facing significant challenges as many of them find themselves stranded abroad due to flight cancellations following the outbreak of conflict between the United States and Israel. This disruption has resulted in restricted airspace and grounded commercial flights across major hub airports in the region, leaving travelers struggling to secure accommodation and essentials in far-flung locations. The restrictions were enforced after missile strikes occurred across the Middle East. As a consequence, British nationals who were abroad at the onset of the conflict have reported incurring substantial bills for travel and lodging, which might not be covered by their... [Continue Reading]
Middle East Conflict Disrupts Flights, Nepal Extends Visas for Stranded Travelers
Rising tensions and conflict in the Middle East have triggered extensive travel interruptions, including canceled and delayed flights and airspace closures that have ripple effects worldwide. As a result, travelers heading to or through Nepal are encountering unexpected delays and disruptions. The Nepal Immigration Department has responded by offering free visa extensions to foreign nationals whose visas expire while they are stranded due to flight cancellations. This extension can be arranged upon arrival at the airport, providing some relief to affected travelers. The turmoil impacts airlines and passengers beyond the immediate conflict zone, with many facing uncertainty in their travel... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 12 Mar 2026 15:03
Airlines in Asia and Europe raise fares amid rising oil prices linked to Iran conflict and widespread flight cancellations
In response to soaring oil prices tied to the ongoing conflict in Iran, several airlines operating in Asia and Europe have begun increasing their fares and fuel surcharges, significantly impacting global travel. The surge in oil prices comes amidst a backdrop of heightened tensions related to the conflict, leading to widespread disruptions in air travel. Data from analytics firm Cirium indicates that over 43,000 flights traveling to and from the Middle East were cancelled between February 28 and March 10, further driving demand for alternative routes and inflating ticket prices. The ramifications of this spike in oil prices are being... [Continue Reading]
From AirAsia to Qantas, airlines raise fares as Iran war fuels oil price surge
Airlines around the world are increasing fares and raising fuel surcharges as the Iran war sends oil prices swinging wildly and stokes fears of jet fuel shortages if the fighting persists. The cost of plane tickets may jump as much as 9 per cent, said Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association industry group. Fuel costs account for about a quarter of the expenses paid by carriers. Demand for alternative routes that bypass the Middle East is also surging,... [Continue Reading]
More airlines hike flight prices as Iran war continues to disrupt oil supply
Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways join Qantas in increasing prices, as travellers flock to airlines that don’t have Middle East stopoversCathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are among a growing number of airlines hiking air fares as conflict in the Middle East boosts oil prices and sends travellers flocking to alternative stopover destinations in Asia.The US and Israel’s war on Iran has sent the price of oil soaring while restricting access to refineries, with experts predicting air fares could be elevated for months even if the conflict ends. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Volatile oil markets due to Middle East conflict increase jet fuel prices
Volatility on oil markets is already being felt in the travel sector, as a spike in the price of jet fuel is being passed on to air passengers. Higher fares and fuel surcharges are beginning to appear across a number of airlines. With analysts warning that the war on Iran is likely to weigh on the travel sector for the year to come. [Continue Reading]
European airlines add flights to Asia amid high demand, cancellations by Gulf carriers
British Airways and Deutsche Lufthansa are adding flights to Asia amid increased long-haul demand as customers seek alternatives to Middle East carriers hamstrung by airspace closures at home. BA will operate more flights from London to Singapore and Bangkok this week, using aircraft that currently are not needed in the Gulf region. The airline has temporarily cut back its Middle East schedule, cancelling all Abu Dhabi flights until at least October and stopping flights to cities including... [Continue Reading]
Iran Launches Drone Attacks on Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Amid Escalating Middle East Conflict
The conflict in the Middle East is escalating as Iran has initiated drone attacks targeting neighboring Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, marking a significant intensification in hostilities. Early reports indicate that on Tuesday, Iran fired numerous drones, which the Saudi Defense Ministry claims were intercepted over its oil-rich eastern region, while Kuwait's National Guard successfully downed some over various areas of the country. This offensive occurs as the conflict approaches its 11th day, following recent US-Israeli strikes against Iranian targets that have heightened regional tensions further. On February 28, the US and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory actions and... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong Airlines raises fuel surcharges by up to 35.2% due to rising oil prices linked to Middle East conflicts
In a significant development amidst escalating conflicts in the Middle East, Hong Kong Airlines has announced a substantial increase in its fuel surcharges by up to 35.2%. The airline, the first local carrier to implement such a rise, is responding to soaring oil prices, which have been linked to recent geopolitical tensions affecting global energy supplies. The new surcharges will take effect for tickets issued from March 12 onward, as confirmed by the airline on its official website. Travellers flying from Hong Kong to destinations in South Asia, including the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal, will experience the most considerable impact,... [Continue Reading]
