Two million airline seats have been removed from May schedules as carriers adjust operations in response to soaring jet fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows approximately 13,000 fewer flights will operate globally this month, representing less than 2% of total capacity. While London Heathrow has seen a net reduction of only 111 flights, the cuts include both the use of smaller aircraft and outright cancellations.
Istanbul and Munich have experienced the largest drop in flights, with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa making significant reductions. Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary has cut 20,000 short-haul services. The price of jet fuel has more than doubled since the US-Israel attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Most major short-haul UK airlines, including EasyJet and Wizz Air, have hedged their fuel costs and pledge to operate full summer schedules. However, analysts at Goldman Sachs warn that the UK is Europe's most exposed nation due to its status as the largest net importer of jet fuel, low inventories, high import reliance, and reduced domestic refining capacity. They caution that stocks could fall to critically low levels, increasing the likelihood of rationing measures.
In response, the UK government has announced contingency measures to prevent summer disruption. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated there are no immediate supply issues but said the government is preparing to provide long-term certainty for families. Measures include relaxing 'use-it-or-lose-it' slot rules, allowing airlines to cancel flights with low ticket sales without losing valuable slots. UK refineries have also been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have declined requests for tax cuts or reduced environmental regulations.
