Airlines have started to massively reduce the number of available seats on scheduled flights for May, amid the rapid increase in aviation fuel prices caused by the war in the Middle East and blockades in the Persian Gulf region.
Overall, approximately two million seats have already disappeared from airline operators’ programs, and around 13,000 flights have been canceled globally, according to data from the aviation analysis company Cirium.
The Guardian reports that major airlines and European authorities fear that fuel supply issues could worsen in the summer months, leading to further flight cancellations.
Fuel prices doubled after attacks on Iran
The price of aviation kerosene doubled after the US and Israel's attack on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important maritime routes for transporting oil and petroleum products.
Currently, the aviation industry states that there is no immediate fuel shortage as operators have visibility on stocks for approximately six weeks. However, international agencies warn that Europe could enter a risky zone if disruptions in the Middle East continue.
Analysts at Goldman Sachs warn that the UK is one of the most exposed European countries due to its high dependence on aviation fuel imports and limited refining capacity.
According to the American bank, British stocks could reach "critically low levels," potentially leading to rationing measures.
Istanbul and Munich among the most affected airports
The largest reductions in flights were recorded in Istanbul and Munich after Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa began to reduce their operating programs.
Lufthansa has canceled approximately 20,000 short-haul flights operated by its subsidiary CityLine.
Some of the two million disappeared seats were eliminated through direct cancellations, but many companies have also chosen another solution: replacing large aircraft with smaller ones to reduce fuel consumption.
On the other hand, companies like easyJet and Wizz Air have announced that they do not intend to reduce scheduled flights for the summer season, as a significant portion of the fuel has been purchased in advance at prices set before the increases.
British government prepares special measures for summer
British authorities have already begun discussions with the aviation industry to avoid chaos during the peak holiday season.
The London government is considering relaxing airport slot rules so that companies can cancel flights with few passengers without losing operating rights for the next season.
British ministers have explained that nearly empty flights could be eliminated to prevent fuel waste.
Meanwhile, British refineries have been asked to maximize aviation fuel production as part of emergency plans prepared by authorities.
G.P.