Jet Fuel Crisis Sparks Mass Flight Cancellations Across 15 Airlines
An alarming warning from an energy chief has revealed that European Union countries possess merely around six weeks of jet fuel supply remaining, potentially triggering what he describes as "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced." This dire situation is already causing significant disruptions, with 15 airlines cancelling flights and putting summer holidays out of the UK at severe risk.
Immediate Impact on Aviation and Travel Plans
Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency, has stated that flight cancellations will commence "soon" if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid the ongoing Iran war. Even if a deal is reached today to reopen this critical shipping route, summer travel chaos is already looming large. Airlines and their passengers are unlikely to see any relief until deep into the summer, with normal supplies of oil and jet fuel expected to take months to resume.
Matt Smith, head US analyst at energy consulting firm Kpler, emphasized the severity, noting, "It's going to take until at least July. And even that may be optimistic at this point." The crisis has led to a surge in fuel prices, with airlines globally experiencing costs more than double the usual rates, forcing them to implement drastic measures.
Full List of Airlines Affected by Cancellations
The following airlines have announced flight cancellations or reductions due to the jet fuel shortage and soaring costs:
- Aegean Airlines: Suspended Middle East flights amid ongoing conflicts.
- AirAsia X: Cut 10% of flights across the group, with a 20% fuel surcharge.
- KLM: Cancelling 160 flights in Europe over the coming month.
- Air New Zealand: Reducing flights through May and June, hiking fares.
- Asiana Airlines: Cutting 22 flights between April and July.
- Cathay Pacific: Cancelling about 2% of scheduled passenger flights from mid-May to end of June.
- HK Express: Cutting around 6% of flights.
- Delta Air Lines: Reducing capacity by 3.5 percentage points from original plans.
- Lufthansa: Grounding 27 planes from its CityLine subsidiary earlier than planned.
- Nigerian Airlines: Suspending all flight operations from April 20.
- Norse Atlantic: Cancelled London Gatwick to Los Angeles route.
- SAS: Cancelling 1,000 flights in April.
- United Airlines: Cutting unprofitable flights over the next two quarters.
- Vietjet: Adjusting flight frequency on selected routes.
- Vietnam Airlines: Cancelling 23 flights per week across domestic routes from April.
Financial Strain and Global Ripple Effects
The financial impact on airlines is staggering. The four largest US airlines—United, American, Delta, and Southwest—spent approximately $100 million daily on average among them on fuel last year. Delta reported a 14% jump in fuel costs to $2.7 billion in the January-March period compared to last year, while United could face an extra $11 billion in fuel expenses this year if conditions persist.
Willie Walsh, director of the International Air Transport Association, highlighted that Asian countries are beginning to limit jet-fuel exports, exacerbating the global shortage. Despite this, George Shaw, senior insight analyst at Kpler, noted that Europe is not yet close to running out, as jet fuel is produced domestically, but warned of "some localised issues" in May as reduced imports are more keenly felt.
Passenger Advice and Future Outlook
Passengers are advised to brace for further aggravation in the coming months as carriers worldwide deepen cancellations and ground planes. Airlines like Air New Zealand are offering alternative flights on the same day for affected customers, but the overall outlook remains bleak. With oil prices projected to remain above $100 until the end of 2027, the aviation industry faces prolonged challenges, making summer holiday travel uncertain and potentially chaotic for many.
