Gujarat's charter aviation market has been hit hard by a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices, triggered by tensions in West Asia and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The surge in fuel costs has significantly increased operating expenses, forcing charter companies to raise hourly rates and leading to a steep decline in bookings. Daily confirmed charter flights in Ahmedabad have dropped from 12 to 15 to barely two, with only essential services such as medical evacuations and select political travel continuing.

Fuel prices for charter operators have more than doubled, pushing hourly charter rates substantially higher depending on the type of aircraft. Frequent flyers and corporate clients are struggling to absorb the additional costs, leading many companies to cut back on discretionary travel, especially to destinations with limited commercial connectivity.

International charter operations have been affected even more severely due to airspace restrictions and longer flight routes, making trips to parts of Europe and West Asia prohibitively expensive. Religious tourism has also suffered, as helicopter rental rates have risen sharply, increasing per-person travel costs and further dampening demand.