Overview
- KLM will cancel some European flights in May, saying higher fuel costs made certain routes unviable, with published counts varying between 80 and 160 but amounting to under 1% of its regional schedule.
- United Airlines said it could cut up to 5% of its third‑quarter flying if fuel prices stay high and supply remains unstable.
- Other carriers have pared back service in recent weeks, with Air Canada suspending several routes and Lufthansa’s CityLine parking its 27‑jet fleet for near‑term European flying.
- Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled to about $1,500 per metric ton after disruptions to oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, though many big airlines are partly shielded for several months by fuel hedges.
- IEA chief Fatih Birol warned Europe could have only about six weeks of aviation fuel if interruptions continue, and low‑cost players such as Volotea have added a temporary fee of up to €14 per ticket, pointing to rising costs for travelers.