Two million airline seats have been removed from May schedules globally as carriers grapple with soaring jet fuel prices triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows approximately 13,000 fewer flights will operate this month, representing less than 2% of global capacity. While London Heathrow has seen a net reduction of only 111 flights, the cuts are more pronounced at hubs like Istanbul and Munich, where Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa have made significant reductions, including 20,000 short-haul flights by Lufthansa's CityLine subsidiary.
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 UK short-haul airlines, including EasyJet and Wizz Air, have hedged fuel costs and pledged to operate full summer schedules. However, industry analysts warn that Europe faces potential shortages if the conflict continues to disrupt supplies. Goldman Sachs noted that the UK is particularly vulnerable as Europe's largest net importer of jet fuel, with low inventories, high import reliance, and reduced domestic refining capacity, warning 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 last-minute summer disruption for holidaymakers. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that slot rules will be relaxed, allowing airlines to cancel flights with fewer seats sold without losing rights for the following season. Carriers may also consolidate multiple daily flights to the same destination to avoid running near-empty planes. UK refineries have been asked to maximise jet fuel production, though ministers have resisted industry calls for tax cuts or reduced environmental regulations.
