Two million airline seats have been removed from May schedules as carriers grapple with soaring jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict, aviation data shows. Cirium reports around 13,000 fewer flights globally this month, though the cuts represent less than 2% of total capacity. London Heathrow has seen a net reduction of just 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 deepest cuts, with Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary axing 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, are well hedged on fuel costs and have pledged to operate full summer schedules. However, analysts at Goldman Sachs warn the UK is Europe's most exposed nation as the largest net importer of jet fuel, with low inventories and reduced domestic refining capacity. Stocks could fall to "critically low levels, increasing the likelihood of rationing measures," they said.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced contingency measures over the weekend, including relaxed slot rules to allow airlines to consolidate flights on popular routes without losing future rights. "We are preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer," she said, noting no immediate supply issues. UK refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have resisted calls for tax cuts or reduced environmental regulations.
