Costs spike for aviation operators

Operators and fuel suppliers have recently reported extraordinary and very short-term increases in kerosene prices at multiple international airports. In some instances, these adjustments have taken effect immediately, including within existing fuel price agreements, which is highly unusual in the aviation sector. Reported factors include disruptions to maritime transport through the Strait of Hormuz, reductions in oil production in several Gulf states, and increasing tensions across global energy markets.

These developments have resulted in rapid increases in crude oil prices and significant volatility in aviation fuel markets.

Commercial airline operators have already reported noticeable short-term increases in commercial airline ticket prices on certain international routes. This may also affect commercial medical escort operations, as the cost of last-minute airline tickets for patient transports on scheduled flights may rise in parallel with increasing fuel prices.

International aeromedical accreditation agency EURAMI sent out the following statement in reaction to the rise in prices: “These developments are expected to have immediate operational and financial implications for aviation operators worldwide, including the aeromedical and air ambulance sector. As fuel typically represents one of the largest operating cost components in aviation, the current market volatility may affect mission planning, operational costs, and pricing structures across the industry.”

Assistance companies continue their operations

Lara Helmi, Managing Director of CONNEX Assistance, shared an update on the company’s operational capabilities with its clients on 10 March. ITIJ is resharing this below for visibility:

“Our teams are coordinating operations from our offices in Egypt, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, supported by our ground teams across several countries in the region.

“Over the past week, we have been actively supporting clients and partners through a range of coordinated assistance services. This has included the safe relocation of individuals via both land and air, ensuring secure and well-managed movements where required.”

CONNEX Assistance is currently providing secure transportation to and from the following locations:

• The UAE
• Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Jordan
• Beirut.

Helmi added: “We are arranging doctor home or hotel visits in all the above countries for patients who require prescriptions or medical consultations. This is particularly important for individuals whose medication supplies may be running low due to current travel or logistical disruptions. For patients requiring continued medical care abroad, our team is also coordinating medical escorts and commercial flight arrangements for medical evacuations, enabling patients to safely continue their treatment in a more appropriate medical environment where necessary.”

Marm Assistance posted an update on LinkedIn: “Operational accessibility across much of the Middle East continues to improve, with most regional airports maintaining scheduled activity and ground operations gradually returning to more stable patterns. While several countries are now operating close to normal levels, certain locations continue to experience partial aviation limitations or temporary restrictions. Ground-based assistance activities, including hospital admissions and local coordination, remain broadly feasible across the region.

“At the same time, the overall environment remains dynamic and continues to require close monitoring. Aviation routing, airspace policies, and regulatory procedures may still evolve with limited notice.”

ITIJ's daily reports show that disruptions to airline itineraries are continuing to affect repatriations and assistance operations.