Two million airline seats have been removed from May schedules globally as carriers grapple with soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict, aviation analytics firm Cirium reports. Some 13,000 fewer flights are set to operate worldwide this month due to recent cancellations, with airlines deploying smaller aircraft and axing routes outright.
Istanbul and Munich have seen the largest flight reductions, with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa making substantial cuts. Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary alone has cancelled 20,000 short-haul flights. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the US-Israel attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Most major UK short-haul carriers, including EasyJet and Wizz Air, have hedged fuel costs and plan to run full summer schedules, though unhedged portions face pressure. Cirium noted only 111 net flights have disappeared from London Heathrow, but fears persist over long-term supply disruptions.
Goldman Sachs warned the UK is Europe's most exposed net importer of jet fuel, with low inventories and reduced domestic refining capacity. Stocks could fall to critically low levels, raising the likelihood of rationing measures.
The UK government has announced contingency plans, including relaxing slot rules to allow airlines to consolidate flights on busy routes and cancel underbooked services without losing future rights. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there are no immediate supply issues but stressed the need to avoid summer disruption. Refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have rejected industry calls for tax cuts or eased environmental rules.
