Middle East tensions have disrupted the production and transportation of millions of barrels of oil, leading to higher prices for oil-derived products like car and jet fuel. These increases have had a ripple effect on the airline industry, with companies raising fares to offset rising costs. Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, has criticized the situation, blaming "foolish leaders" starting wars for the surge in flight prices, a reference to the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran. Jet fuel prices, a key cost for airlines, have seen dramatic fluctuations. The European benchmark jet fuel price had been around $800 per tonne before the outbreak of the Iran-related conflict, but it spiked to over $1,800 in April. Although it has since dropped to about $1,450, the increase has forced airlines to take action. Virgin Atlantic, for example, added a fuel surcharge to its ticket prices. The surcharge ranged from £50 for economy class to £360 for business class. Virgin's CEO, Corneel Koster, stated that such surcharges were "absolutely required" given the current fuel prices and expressed concerns about the ongoing instability in the Middle East. Other airlines have also responded to the crisis. Some have reduced the number of flights, while others have raised fares. A study by the consultancy firm Teneo in April found that the Iran war had caused a 25% increase in air fares. Ryanair, for instance, announced it would cut its winter schedule due to high fuel prices and warned that short-haul European fares could rise significantly if fuel costs remain high through the summer. Despite these challenges, Virgin Atlantic has decided not to make major changes to its winter flight schedule. Koster noted that the airline had already slightly reduced capacity earlier in the year and would consider minor adjustments if demand was low on certain routes during the winter. However, the airline expects to operate 95% of its usual flights. Sir Richard Branson, meanwhile, has criticized the conflict, calling it unnecessary and highlighting the economic consequences, including rising oil prices and inflation. US President Donald Trump has defended the conflict as essential for long-term peace and security. The BBC has reached out to the White House for a response. In a separate development, Virgin Atlantic announced it had secured a contract to transport Team GB and ParalympicsGB to the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. The airline took over the responsibility from British Airways, which had handled the task since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.