Two million airline seats have been removed from May schedules worldwide as carriers grapple with soaring jet fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals approximately 13,000 fewer flights will operate this month, representing less than 2% of global capacity. While London Heathrow has seen only a net reduction of 111 flights, industry fears mount over potential summer cancellations if fuel supply disruptions persist.
Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have made the deepest cuts, with Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary axing 20,000 short-haul flights. Istanbul and Munich airports recorded the biggest drops in flight numbers. The price of jet fuel has more than doubled since the US-Israel attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, though most major UK short-haul carriers remain well hedged against immediate cost increases.
EasyJet and Wizz Air have pledged to operate full summer schedules despite pressure on unhedged fuel portions. The industry reports no current shortages, citing six weeks of supply visibility. However, international agencies warn Europe could face jet fuel shortages if the Middle East war continues to disrupt supplies. Goldman Sachs analysts noted the UK is particularly vulnerable as Europe's largest net jet fuel importer, with low inventories and reduced domestic refining capacity.
The UK government has introduced contingency measures to avoid late disruption for holidaymakers. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced relaxed slot rules, allowing airlines to cancel flights with fewer seats sold without losing future operating rights. Carriers may also consolidate multiple daily flights to the same destination. UK refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have rejected industry calls for tax cuts or relaxed environmental regulations.
