Airlines cut 13,000 flights in May as jet fuel prices hike

What’s behind the cuts?

Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the start of the conflict. A tonne of fuel that cost $831 in late February shot up to a peak of $1,838 by early April. That kind of increase puts serious pressure on airlines, especially those already operating on tight margins.

To manage rising costs, airlines are trimming underperforming routes and consolidating flights. According to aviation analysts, destinations like Munich and Istanbul have been among the hardest hit.

How much is actually affected?

Despite the headlines, the disruption is relatively small in the grand scheme. The cancelled flights account for about 1% of global schedules. From the UK specifically, around 120 flights (roughly 0.53%) have been cancelled for May.

For context, airlines typically cancel around 2% of flights at short notice even under normal conditions. So while the situation is unusual, it’s not yet outside industry norms.

Are UK travellers impacted?

So far, UK travellers aren’t seeing major disruption. Flights to popular summer holiday destinations are largely unaffected, and airlines say they’re continuing to operate as normal.

easyJet, for example, has confirmed it isn’t experiencing fuel supply issues and isn’t making any schedule changes. Government contingency plans are also in place, allowing airlines to cancel flights in advance without losing valuable airport slots, which helps them stay flexible.

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Ticket prices and summer travel outlook

Many airlines, including Air France, KLM, Delta, and Lufthansa, have already adjusted their summer schedules, and some have increased ticket prices to offset fuel costs. However, not all fares are rising. In some parts of Europe, prices are actually dropping as airlines try to attract cautious travellers.

Overall, industry experts describe the current wave of cancellations as “marginal,” with no widespread disruption expected for summer travel.

Could things get worse?

While there are no immediate fuel shortages, experts warn the situation could change quickly. Disruptions to supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for oil and gas, could lead to shortages within weeks.

Europe’s reliance on imported jet fuel adds to the risk. The UK alone imports around 65% of its supply, much of it typically coming from the Middle East.

What travellers should know...

For now, most passengers can continue booking with confidence. However, if you’re planning a trip:

• Keep an eye on airline updates

• Consider package holidays for added protection

• Book flexible tickets where possible

The situation is still evolving, but as it stands, summer travel plans for most people remain on track.