Airlines Cut 13,000 Flights in May as Jet Fuel Crisis Deepens

BBC Business reported Wednesday that airlines have removed roughly 13,000 flights from May schedules globally, stripping nearly two million seats as jet fuel prices climb sharply amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Scale of the Cuts Remains Limited for Now

Aviation data firm Cirium attributed the cancellations to surging jet fuel prices. The removed capacity represents just 1% of worldwide scheduled flights for the month. Only around 120 UK-originating services have been pulled, roughly 0.53% of all departures. Consumer group Which? notes airlines typically cancel 2% of flights within 24 hours of departure even under normal conditions. Key summer leisure routes from the UK remain intact, according to the Advantage Travel Partnership trade body.

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Fuel Prices Have More Than Doubled Since War Began

Jet fuel costs have surged dramatically since the Iran conflict escalated. A tonne of jet fuel traded near $831 in late February. By early April it had reached $1,838, a rise of more than 120% in weeks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil and liquefied natural gas, has severed supplies that Britain traditionally sources from the region. The UK imports around 65% of its jet fuel, with a significant share ordinarily arriving from Middle Eastern producers.

Carriers Respond Unevenly Across Europe

Major European carriers have already acted. German aviation group Lufthansa said earlier this month it would remove 20,000 flights between now and the end of October. Air France, KLM, Air Canada, Delta and SAS have each trimmed their summer programmes. Budget operators are more divided. EasyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis told BBC Business the carrier was operating normally and had no plans to cancel services. Wizz Air’s chief executive noted some European fares were actually falling as airlines chased reluctant travellers.

Governments and Industry Prepare Contingency Measures

The International Energy Agency warned in mid-April that Europe could face jet fuel shortages by June unless alternative supply routes are secured quickly. UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander acknowledged the situation was evolving but expressed confidence most summer travellers would see little disruption. The government is preparing concessions allowing airlines to cancel flights well in advance at congested airports including Heathrow without forfeiting valuable takeoff and landing slots. The trade body representing British carriers said supply chains remained functional, though it welcomed the regulatory relief as a precaution.

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