Flight cancellations across the UK have escalated in May, driven by soaring jet fuel prices and declining demand amid global instability. Airlines including Aurigny and Skybus have reduced services, citing the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on fuel costs and consumer confidence.
Aurigny, the Channel Islands airline, has cancelled flights from mid-April to early June, describing the cuts as “proactive measures to address the impact of global instability”. Services between Guernsey and London City airport have been reduced, with affected passengers offered seats on London Gatwick services, while flights from Exeter and Bristol have been combined. The airline has also added a temporary fuel adjustment surcharge of £2 on all bookings from March 20.
Skybus has cancelled flights between Newquay and London Gatwick starting April 2, citing “circumstances beyond our control”. Managing director Jonathan Hinkles attributed the cancellations to a “huge rise in the cost of fuel following the war in the Gulf” and a “significant drop” in passenger bookings. Affected customers will receive full refunds.
Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary warned that the airline may need to cancel 5% to 10% of flights through May, June and July if the conflict continues to impact jet fuel prices. Jet fuel has surged from $742 per metric tonne a year ago to over $1,710, while Brent crude oil exceeded $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022.
Globally, airlines are facing similar pressures. Air New Zealand has cut 1,100 flights through early May, SAS has axed 1,000 flights next month, and Vietnam Airlines has reduced domestic and international routes. United Airlines became the first major US carrier to cancel flights due to fuel costs, with CEO Scott Kirby warning that passenger fares could rise by 20% if oil prices remain high.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, nearly 7% of all globally scheduled flights were cancelled on Monday, up from 4.7% on the same day last year, highlighting the widespread impact of rising fuel costs on air travel.
