Rising premiums linked to the war in Iraq could add $10bn (£6.3bn) to the losses of the international air travel industry, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
IATA claimed on Saturday that 100 airlines have increased fares by up to 3% in a bid to meet rising insurance costs linked to the Iraqi crisis.
IATA also said that the fall-out from the conflict would deepen the travel industry crisis. Since 11 September the crisis has led to losses of $30bn (£19.1bn).
Over 150 flights a day cross between Europe and the Middle East. In Saturday's statement, IATA director general and chierf excutived Giovanni Bisignani urged governments to allow airlines to fly freely to help the industry survive the crisis.
