Airfares from Hong Kong to Europe, the Americas, and even some Asian cities have surged due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Economy-class return fares to Paris start at HK$17,670, while the cheapest to Tokyo nears HK$5,000. Industry insiders attribute the rises to airspace chaos, flight groundings, and surging fuel prices.
The latest escalation in the Middle East has disrupted air travel, particularly on routes transiting through regional hubs. According to the South China Morning Post, the lowest economy-class return fare from Hong Kong to Paris departing Thursday was HK$17,670 (US$2,260), with some airlines charging up to HK$91,776 due to unavailable economy seats on certain legs. All listed travel times exceeded 20 hours, and direct flights were sold out.
To Rome, the lowest economy-class fare was HK$10,736 with Dubai-based Emirates, while other options reached HK$135,072 owing to mixed cabin classes from limited availability. Even Asian destinations are affected, with the cheapest return to Tokyo costing nearly HK$5,000.
Google Flights data highlights how Middle Eastern airspace chaos has grounded tens of thousands of flights, stranding passengers at major hubs. Surging fuel prices and route diversions have driven fares higher.
Hongkongers stranded in the region are scrambling for seats, with all Hong Kong-bound flights from Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi cancelled on Thursday. Of three from Dubai, only Emirates flight EK380 operated, with an estimated arrival shortly before 10pm. An aviation expert cautioned that regular traffic between Hong Kong and the Middle East remains uncertain, as the first return flight used 'safe corridors'.
Stranded residents are using online group chats and social media to share tips, with some securing passage by routing through third countries like Vietnam. As the war enters its sixth day, it has impacted over a million passengers. Asian carriers like Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific are in high demand, with fares from European hubs to Asia soaring—for instance, economy from Heathrow to Singapore at US$8,540, a 900 per cent increase over later dates.
