It's only my take on it, nobody knows for sure how and even if VA will come back. The 'human' element covers most of the day to day operations not just the guys at the pointy end.
Fuel will get more expensive once the thruput goes up in fact 'if' normality returns then everything cost wise will rapidly increase, just not wages, that's the bit that can be 'fiddled' with. Bit like'89 that was a turning point in aviation as far as conditions go so will this disaster!