Airlines worldwide canceled 13,000 flights in May due to a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East, UNN reports, citing the BBC.
Details
Over the course of a month, airlines reduced the number of seats on flights by nearly two million.
Data from the analytical company Cirium shows that the largest reductions in flights were recorded in Istanbul and Munich.
Airlines are usually reluctant to cancel flights, as it can deprive them of valuable takeoff and landing slots at airports.
Aviation fuel prices have more than doubled since the start of the war — at the end of February, a ton was trading at $831, and by early April, it reached $1,838.
Airlines stated they currently have no issues with fuel supply, but experts warn that supply disruptions due to the war in Iran could lead to shortages within a few weeks.
Many airlines have already raised ticket prices. Air France, KLM, Air Canada, Delta, and SAS have already reduced their summer schedules.
Destinations with the highest number of canceled flights:
- Istanbul;
- Chicago O'Hare;
- Dallas/Fort Worth;
- Denver;
- Atlanta;
- Frankfurt;
- George Bush Intercontinental (Houston);
- Charles de Gaulle;
- Amsterdam Schiphol;
- Charlotte Douglas (North Carolina).
However, the CEO of Wizz Air stated that prices for some European flights are falling as airlines try to attract hesitant customers.
The German Lufthansa Group stated earlier this month that it would cancel 20,000 flights by the end of October.
Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights amid rising jet fuel prices22.04.26, 11:55
In mid-April, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), which advises 32 member governments on energy supply and security, warned that Europe has "perhaps six weeks of aviation fuel reserves left."
Europe could run out of jet fuel within six weeks - IEA17.04.26, 09:43