Airlines are cancelling flights and increasing fees as the jet fuel crisis, triggered by the war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, continues to disrupt global travel. The Strait, which handles about 20% of the world's oil supply, has been effectively blocked by Iran since February, driving up fuel costs.
New data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that cancellations from UK airports have risen sharply in May. As of Tuesday, 296 departures were axed, representing 0.75% of the total, up from 120 cancellations six days earlier. Airlines are cancelling flights with at least two weeks' notice to avoid compensation liability.
Several airlines have reduced schedules or introduced extra charges. UK-based Ascend Airways, which operated from London Gatwick and Stansted, cancelled all flights and pulled its fleet from operation last week, citing rising jet fuel costs. It will soon hand over its UK Air Operator's Certificate.
British Airways' parent company IAG warned that profits will be hit, expecting to spend about €2bn (£1.72bn) more than planned on fuel this year. Spirit Airlines collapsed on May 2 after failing to secure a $500m (£368m) bailout, stranding thousands of passengers across the US. Lufthansa has shut down its subsidiary CityLine, cutting 20,000 short-haul flights from its summer schedule, and will withdraw four long-haul aircraft.
Greek airline Aegean has announced ticket price hikes of around 7% to 8% for new bookings, but existing passengers and those with early-bird packages will be unaffected.
