Two million airline seats have been cut from May schedules as airlines respond to soaring jet fuel prices caused by the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The cuts represent around 13,000 fewer flights globally, though this is less than 2% of total capacity. London Heathrow has seen a net reduction of only 111 flights.
The price of jet fuel has more than doubled since the US-Israel attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have made the largest cuts, with Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary cancelling 20,000 short-haul flights. Some reductions involve switching to smaller aircraft rather than outright cancellations.
Most major UK short-haul airlines, including EasyJet and Wizz Air, have hedged fuel costs and pledge to operate full summer schedules. However, analysts at Goldman Sachs warn that the UK is Europe's most exposed country due to its high import reliance, low inventories, and reduced domestic refining capacity. Stocks could fall to critically low levels, increasing the likelihood of rationing measures.
The UK government has announced contingency measures to avoid summer disruption, including relaxing slot rules so airlines can consolidate flights on popular routes. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there are no immediate supply issues but the government is preparing to give families certainty. UK refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have resisted industry requests for tax cuts or reduced environmental regulations.
