Transavia, the low-cost carrier owned by the Air France-KLM group, is cancelling flights scheduled for May and June 2026 due to soaring aviation fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The airline, which operates routes to and from the United Kingdom, confirmed the schedule changes as it seeks to cut costs amid rising jet fuel costs.
Flights Axed as Fuel Prices Surge
The airline, which runs medium-distance routes from London Stansted to Rotterdam several times a week, is used by tourists who connect via Schiphol airport in the Netherlands to other European destinations. A spokesperson for Transavia confirmed to AFP that the carrier is adapting its flight schedule to streamline expenses. "Due to the current geopolitical situation in the Middle East and its impact on aviation fuel prices, Transavia France is adapting its flight schedule and is forced to cancel several flights scheduled for May and June 2026," the airline stated.
The cancellations represent less than 2% of the total flight schedule for the May-June period, according to the spokesperson. Affected passengers are being notified individually via SMS and email. While specific routes have not been disclosed, the airline is offering options including free rescheduling, a voucher, or a full refund. For most cancelled flights, a rescheduling solution within 24 hours is available.
Broader Impact on European Aviation
Europe typically sources half of its fuel from Gulf nations. However, since the outbreak of war between the United States and Iran in late February, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed by Tehran. This has disrupted supply chains, leading to a potential crisis. European Commissioner Dan Jorgensen warned that the EU is "approaching very rapidly" a supply crisis, raising concerns about higher airfares and cancellations this summer. Airlines, including Transavia, have already begun raising ticket prices, with increases averaging around 10 euros per return journey.
Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Darren Jones cautioned on Sunday that the conflict is likely to push up costs for energy, food, and flight tickets in the coming months. He noted that disruptions to energy supplies could affect production rather than cause empty supermarket shelves. "You're going to see prices go up a bit as a consequence of what Donald Trump has done in the Middle East," he told the BBC's Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme. He estimated that elevated prices could last roughly eight months after the Strait of Hormuz is reopened and tensions ease.
Industry-Wide Cuts Expected
Last week, German airline Lufthansa announced it would cut 20,000 European short-haul flights over the summer, blaming jet fuel costs. Industry expert Ted Wake, managing director of Kirker Holidays, told travel journalist Simon Calder that more airlines are likely to follow. "I think Lufthansa has got a very comprehensive schedule. Twenty thousand flights isn't a drop in the ocean but it's a relatively small number if you look at the overall picture. I think other airlines within the UK market will be doing something similar," he said.
