Two million airline seats have been cut from May schedules as airlines adjust operations due to soaring jet fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows about 13,000 fewer flights will operate globally this month, representing less than 2% of global capacity.
Istanbul and Munich have seen the biggest flight reductions, with Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa making significant cuts. Lufthansa has cancelled 20,000 short-haul flights operated by its CityLine subsidiary. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the US-Israel attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Most UK-based short-haul airlines are well hedged on fuel costs, with EasyJet and Wizz Air pledging to operate full summer schedules. However, analysts at Goldman Sachs warn the UK is the most exposed European country as the largest net importer of jet fuel, with low inventories and high import reliance.
The UK government has announced measures to avoid summer disruption, including relaxing slot rules to allow airlines to consolidate flights on popular routes. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said there are no immediate supply issues but the government is preparing to ensure long-term certainty for families.
