Overview
- Lufthansa, which disclosed Tuesday it will remove 20,000 short‑haul flights through October, expects to save about 40,000 tonnes of fuel by focusing on Frankfurt and Munich hubs.
- The Iran conflict has choked oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, and jet fuel prices have roughly doubled since late February in key markets.
- The International Energy Agency warns Europe may have about six weeks of jet fuel left, and the EU energy chief says many holidays could face cancellations or much higher fares if supplies stay tight.
- EU transport ministers discussed emergency steps Tuesday, and the European Commission is preparing measures that include sharing jet fuel stocks and easing rules to buy more from the United States.
- Carriers worldwide are trimming routes or adding fees, with KLM cutting 160 European flights, United pruning unprofitable services, and several airlines imposing fuel surcharges as average economy fares rise about 24% year over year, while Spanish airlines plan to grow summer seats by 6% citing domestic fuel supply and hedging.