European airlines have cancelled hundreds of flights this early spring. The move comes amid rising fuel prices and instability in the Middle East. The impact could last for months.
The situation is already affecting passengers with travel disruptions, delays, and increased ticket prices. Companies in the sector are warning of prolonged effects.
Main reason
The main factor is the increase in fuel costs.
With slower maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz, the price of Brent crude oil reached $120 per barrel. According to Reuters, the cost of jet fuel doubled in Europe and... It rose more than 70% in Asia..
SAS spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaoukji stated that "the sharp increase in fuel costs is affecting the entire European aviation system."
She added that price adjustments were made in anticipation of the global cost shock.
Most affected routes
Flights to or crossing the airspace of the Middle East are the most impacted.
Several airlines have suspended operations to destinations such as Israel, Dubai, and Doha. Additionally, routes are being diverted to avoid high-risk areas.
Companies with cancellations
SAS, an airline operating in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, announced the cancellation of 1,000 flights in April alone. Most of the recent suspensions occurred on domestic routes within Norway.
Other companies have also adopted measures:
Air France has suspended flights to Beirut, Tel Aviv, Dubai, and Riyadh.
Norwegian Air has cancelled flights to Dubai during the winter and postponed new routes.
Air Europa has suspended flights to Tel Aviv until April 10.
British Airways has suspended operations to Dubai, Doha, Bahrain, Amman and Tel Aviv, many until the summer.
ITA Airways has cancelled flights to Dubai until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until April 9.
KLM has suspended flights to Tel Aviv throughout the winter and to cities such as Dubai and Riyadh until March 28.
The Lufthansa Group has cancelled routes to Dubai until March 28 and to Tel Aviv until April 9.
Wizz Air has suspended flights to Israel until March 29 and to several destinations in the Middle East until September.
Aegean has cancelled flights to cities such as Beirut, Tel Aviv and Amman until April, and to other destinations until May.
Finnair has cancelled flights to Dubai until March 29 and to Doha until July 2.
Duration of the measures
There is no set deadline.
The duration depends on the evolution of the conflict in the Middle East and the stability of fuel prices. Industry executives indicate that this scenario may persist.
Impact on prices
The trend is for fares to increase.
With higher costs and fewer flights available, airlines are already passing on some of the impact to passengers.
According to SAS, an average ticket price could increase by 500 Swedish kronor, about £40. Transatlantic flights, on the other hand, could become 2.700 kronor more expensive, about £218.
The Air France-KLM group also confirmed an increase in fares for long-haul flights.
For now, flights to Brazil have not been canceled, but airfare prices are already higher.
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