Major Airline Cancels Hundreds of Flights Until Summer Amid Fuel Crisis
A major airline has been forced to cancel hundreds of flights until the summer season, describing the move as a last resort due to the ongoing global fuel crisis. Cathay Pacific has confirmed that it will cancel two per cent of passenger flights from May 16 to June 30, impacting numerous travel plans.
Widespread Cancellations Across Airlines
The airline's budget subsidiary, HK Express, is set to cut an even larger six per cent of its flights during this period. In a statement, the airline cited increased costs as the primary reason, stating: All affected customers will be offered protection onto flights departing within 24 hours of their originally scheduled flights.
The statement further explained: The ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East continues to negatively impact the price of jet fuel, placing huge cost pressure on airlines around the world.
Global Impact and Further Disruptions
This is not an isolated incident. Other major carriers are also facing significant challenges:
- Air New Zealand and SAS have cancelled more than 1,000 flights, primarily affecting regional routes.
- United Airlines announced it will cancel five per cent of flights in the second and third quarters of 2026.
- UK airline Skybus has axed all routes from London to Cornwall, citing both lack of demand and rising fuel costs.
Warnings of Impending Fuel Shortages
Industry experts are issuing stark warnings about the potential for widespread travel disruption. ACI Europe, the lobby group for airports across the continent, cautioned last week that fuel reserves in Europe could be depleted in just weeks.
They stated: If the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby echoed these concerns, remarking: It's entirely possible that parts of Asia are just going to run out of fuel. Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, also warned of the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June if the conflict continues.
Potential for Millions of Passengers Affected
Analysts predict that without a resumption of stable fuel supplies from the Middle East, jet fuel shortages will become so severe that cancellations across Europe will be inevitable. This could disrupt travel plans for potentially millions of passengers during the peak travel period, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of the current geopolitical and economic pressures on the aviation industry.
