A major airline has scrapped more flights from its summer schedule, with three popular holiday destinations now off-limits for British travellers. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which serves 19 UK airports, has cancelled all flights to Dubai until June 22, extending a previous cancellation that ran until June 14. Flights to Saudi Arabian cities Riyadh and Dammam remain cancelled until June 14 as well.
Reasons Behind the Cancellations
The airline initially reduced its Middle Eastern flight schedule on April 16, citing rising kerosene costs. KLM stated: 'This concerns a limited number of flights within Europe that, due to rising kerosene costs, are currently no longer financially viable to operate.' However, the latest cancellations are driven by ongoing instability in the Middle East. KLM said: 'To provide clarity and certainty to travellers scheduled to fly to Dubai in the coming weeks, the cancellations have been extended by one month.'
Impact on Passengers
KLM emphasised passenger safety as its top priority. Affected travellers will be notified personally and can rebook or request a refund via the KLM website. The airline continues to monitor the situation and liaise with authorities. In total, KLM will operate 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol, representing less than 1% of its European flights during that period.
Broader Context: Jet Fuel Crisis
In mid-April 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned that Europe has only about six weeks of jet fuel reserves, risking shortages and flight cancellations by early June. This crisis stems from conflicts in the Middle East blocking the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting vital fuel supplies. Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, noted: 'Brent Crude prices have climbed five per cent to over $95 per barrel just days after they fell by about $12 to $85 on Friday on hopes of the resumption of energy cargoes through the Strait of Hormuz.' He added that the crisis is causing tangible effects, with airlines cutting less profitable routes and the IEA warning of potential jet fuel depletion.
KLM's cancellations are part of a wider trend affecting summer travel, as airlines closely monitor fuel stocks and adjust schedules. The situation remains fluid, and further disruptions may occur depending on geopolitical developments.
