Middle East Crisis Drives Up US Vacation Airfares

The Middle East crisis disrupts flights across the Persian Gulf, with Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways suspending services amid US-Israel strikes on Iran and retaliatory attacks. Jet fuel prices surge to $4.12 per gallon at the US Gulf Coast, a four-year high, representing 20-30% of airline costs and pressuring thin margins. Airlines like American, United, and Delta see stock plunges as oil nears $100 per barrel, potentially adding billions in expenses.