Airlines hike fares, cut millions of seats as Iran war drives up fuel costs

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Theodore, a retired tech entrepreneur in Malaysia, is usually in no rush to book flights for his family’s annual holiday to South Korea and Japan, preferring to take his time to find the best deals.

But this year, the 50-year-old father of three was eager to lock down his travel plans fast amid a surge in jet fuel prices that has led to thousands of flig...