German airline Lufthansa will cut 20,000 short-haul flights over the summer in a recent update, saying rising fuel prices have made many trips “uneconomic” for the company.
The price of jet fuel has doubled since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran as the conflict has slowed its production and transportation throughout the Middle East.
Several airlines, including KLM-France and Delta, have also temporarily cut some flights, while others have raised ticket prices as they pass the cost on to customers.
The International Energy Agency warned last week that Europe could run out of jet fuel within weeks, although the British government and airlines say they do not foresee any disruption to supplies.
The Gulf is a major source of aircraft fuel, accounting for about 50% of Europe’s imports. The bulk of it comes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed in response to US and Israeli attacks.
The rise in jet fuel prices reflects the role of Middle Eastern refineries in supply. According to Energy Intelligence, the Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone provides about 10% of Europe’s jet fuel imports.
Analysts have warned that travelers should expect further increases in ticket prices and more flight cancellations as the conflict continues.
