Ten airlines have cancelled or grounded flights this summer as the jet fuel crisis continues to disrupt global aviation. Surging prices, driven by the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, have choked roughly 20% of global oil supply.
Government Response and Market Trends
In a bid to boost supplies, Keir Starmer will allow Russian imports of diesel and jet fuel, softening the hardline stance since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. A licence issued on Wednesday permits such products to enter the UK indefinitely, provided the oil is refined elsewhere. The good news is that Europe is now unlikely to face a severe jet fuel supply crisis. Increased production by the US and Spain has lowered jet fuel prices from over £150 a barrel to around £120. Despite this, several airlines have already cancelled flights.
Airlines Cancelling Flights
Spirit Airlines
The US budget carrier permanently ceased operations this month, a move widely attributed to soaring fuel costs. Thousands of flights have been cut, making flying in the US more difficult and expensive. Spirit lawyer Marshall Huebner stated in court: 'We apologize most specifically for those Americans who may now be priced entirely out.'
Lufthansa
The German flag carrier cut 20,000 short-haul flights through October, focusing on routes from Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Vienna, Brussels, and Rome to save 40,000 metric tons of jet fuel for long-haul connections.
Qatar Airways
The Middle Eastern airline slashed two million seats scheduled from June to October. It remains unclear how many cuts are due to fuel costs versus security concerns from US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
Emirates & Etihad
Both UAE-based carriers have made significant reductions, with aviation in the Middle East reeling from airspace closures after Iranian attacks on regional hubs like Dubai and Doha.
United Airlines
United announced a 5% capacity reduction for 2026, cancelling flights in off-peak periods including redeye flights and flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.
SAS
The Swedish flag carrier cancelled 1,000 flights in April, as reported by Newsweek.
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines suspended flights to 18 international destinations from May, including Billund, Ferghana, Freetown, Hurghada, Kinshasa, Leipzig/Halle, Libreville, Luanda, Lusaka, Najaf, Pointe Noire, and Turkistan.
AirAsia X
The Malaysian airline cut 10% of flights across the group and introduced a surcharge of about 20% on fuel.
Air New Zealand
At the beginning of April, Air New Zealand announced it would slash flights through May and June and hike fares.
While the situation shows signs of easing, passengers are advised to check with airlines for updates on cancellations and rebooking options.
