The conflict in the Persian Gulf caused an earthquake in the fuel market, and the shock waves quickly reached the aviation industry. With a more than 60% increase in the price of kerosene compared to February 27, Romanian travelers planning their vacations for 2026 face a legitimate question: who will foot the bill for these increases?
An analysis published exclusively by StiriDinTurism.ro reveals the complex contractual mechanisms that decide whether tourists will take more money out of their pockets or whether operators will be forced to absorb the losses.
As operating costs explode, airlines have already begun to recalibrate strategies. Reducing the frequency of flights, suspending some routes and introducing fuel surcharges are measures that can quickly make tickets more expensive, even for reservations already made and paid for.
However, the transfer of these costs is not an automatic rule. It all depends on the content of the contract and the adjustment mechanisms provided.
What does the law say: can the price be changed after payment?
For Romanian tourists, the legal protection is stronger than in ordinary commercial relations. Lawyer Georgiana Trandafir, Managing Partner of Trandafir Attorneys at Law, explained to StiriDinTurism.ro that the consumer protection legislation provides an important shield. According to the analysis, if there are clear price-locking provisions in the contract, the agency is obliged to deliver the services at the agreed rate. Georgiana Trandafir points out:
“If an advance was paid that involved the “blocking” of the price, and in the contract I have such a provision, then the price remains at the agreed amount, and the agency must deliver what it promised at the set price,” explained Georgiana Trandafir.
The role of unpredictability in tourism contracts
In airline and agency (B2B) relations, the situation is much more rigid. In the absence of specific unilateral adjustment clauses, price changes may require court intervention:
“If there are no mechanisms for immediate and unilateral modification, then the intervention of the court is necessary. The modification of the terms of a contract without the consent of both parties can be ordered by the court (or by an arbitral tribunal) if causes have arisen that could not be foreseen. That is why the legal institution is called “unpredictability,” says lawyer Georgiana Trandafir.
Essential clauses in 2026 for travel agencies
To navigate through this period of unpredictability, tourism ecosystem professionals must pay close attention to contract architecture. Here's what you need to check legally:
- Price adjustment mechanisms: Check if there are objective parameters (variations in oil exchanges, war conditions) that allow the fare to change depending on the time of the flight.
- Nature of parameters: Make sure that these parameters do not depend on the unilateral will of the airline, but are of a nature external to its control.
- Applicable law: In an international context, check whether Romanian law or a foreign law governs the contract, as the adjustment mechanisms may differ significantly.
- Transparency of optional costs: According to European regulations, all price supplements must be clearly communicated and explicitly accepted by the customer at the time of booking.
- Force majeure clauses: Analyze whether the events in the Persian Gulf can be classified as force majeure or force majeure according to specific contractual provisions.
The conclusion of the analysis shows that in 2026, the risk of market fluctuations remains, in principle, with the carrier or operator, if no clear adjustment path has been provided contractually. Before any booking, please check the terms carefully; after booking, ask for their compliance.
