Philippines may ground flights to tide over widening jet fuel crisis
President Marcos said ‘long haul is going to be a much more serious problem’ as Manila eyes coal push to keep electricity costs down
Asked whether, inevitably, planes may have to be grounded, Marcos said, “We’re hoping not, but it’s a distinct possibility.”
Airlines in Asia are mapping out contingency plans as the escalating Middle East conflict threatens to trigger the worst oil shock since the 1970s. Because the Philippines relies heavily on imported crude – much of it sourced from the Middle East – it is more highly exposed than other nations in Southeast Asia to energy shortages and spiralling domestic fuel prices.
Elsewhere in Asia, Vietnam Airlines is temporarily suspending flights on some domestic routes while VietJet Aviation is reducing the frequency of flights. Another Vietnamese carrier, Bamboo Airways, said it will try to maintain flights during peak travel periods but has advised services may be fewer than last year if oil prices stay high.
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Workers across Asia feel squeeze as fuel prices skyrocket