RDU travelers brace for costlier flights as oil prices climb

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- If you're planning a flight soon, be prepared; ticket prices could be on the rise.

At Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), it was business as usual Tuesday afternoon, with planes taking off and passengers heading out. Behind the scenes, surging oil prices are raising concerns about the cost of air travel, and fliers are already feeling the strain.

"It just depends on the pricing," said Kyata Collins, who was traveling with her 1-year-old daughter, Chloe, back to New York after visiting family in Raleigh. "If it's within the budget and reasonable, sure, but if not, I won't."

Collins said this trip was affordable, but with oil prices climbing, she worries her next visit could cost more.

Lisa Bray, waiting for a flight back to Colorado, echoed the same concerns.

"With everything else rising price-wise, this is not what this country needs right now. Rising gas prices, rising oil prices... I'm not for it," she said.

The spike in oil prices comes as the U.S.-Israel war with Iran continues to expand across the Middle East, disrupting global flights and sending energy costs higher. According to ABC News, more than 19,000 flights scheduled to arrive or depart from the region have been canceled since the conflict began.

James Lamprecht, another traveler, said he's keeping a close eye on developments.

"It's a complicated situation. So, the oil prices are the least of it," he said. "When there's a war going on, paying a little extra comes with the territory. It's unfortunate what's going on in the Middle East right now, obviously, on a humanitarian level, let alone how it impacts U.S. prices."

Experts say the effects on travelers at RDU are minimal for now, as the airport does not have direct flights to the Middle East. However, larger hubs are seeing more significant disruptions, and the ripple effect on airfare and gas prices is being felt nationwide.

"It affects all of us in doing your everyday activities," said Bray.

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