Airlines worldwide have cut around 13,000 flights in May as soaring jet fuel prices and supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict begin to affect aviation schedules and operating costs.
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Airlines worldwide have cut around 13,000 flights in May as soaring jet fuel prices and supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict begin to affect aviation schedules and operating costs.
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium cited by the BBC, the cancellations represent roughly 1% of global flights this month. While the disruption remains limited overall, several airlines have reduced summer schedules as fuel prices continue to climb.
European aviation hubs including Munich and Istanbul have been among the worst-affected destinations, according to the Cirium data.
The developments come as airlines prepare for the peak summer travel period, with operators balancing high fuel costs, operational reliability and uncertain passenger demand.
The rise in aviation fuel costs has emerged as one of the industry’s biggest operational challenges since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East earlier this year.
According to figures cited by the BBC:
The increase has forced several airlines to review route profitability, trim frequencies and reassess capacity deployment during the summer season.
Industry executives have also warned that sustained fuel volatility could place additional pressure on ticket pricing and operating margins, particularly on long-haul services.
Several international carriers have already adjusted flight schedules in response to rising fuel costs and operational uncertainty.
According to the BBC report:
have all reduced parts of their summer schedules.
Lufthansa Group earlier announced plans to remove 20,000 flights between now and the end of October.
The airline’s finance chief said fuel supplies were secured until June, although contingency planning could involve adding refuelling stops on certain long-haul routes if aircraft are unable to refuel at destination airports.
Some airlines are also consolidating lower-performing routes to reduce fuel consumption and improve operational efficiency.
Despite global disruptions, UK authorities and industry bodies have stressed that flights in and out of Britain are continuing largely as normal.
The UK Department for Transport said there was currently “no need” for travellers to change holiday plans because there was no immediate shortage of jet fuel in the country.
In its statement, the department said UK airlines purchase fuel in advance and airports maintain fuel reserves to strengthen operational resilience.
The government also reminded passengers of their consumer rights if cancellations occur, including eligibility for refunds or re-routing.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said airlines were planning to operate their full summer schedules, including services during the May half-term holiday period.
“No flights are being cancelled due to fuel shortages,” he said, according to the BBC.
Travel industry body Abta also said holidays were continuing as planned, with chief executive Mark Tanzer stating that flights were operating normally and there was currently no supply issue affecting UK travellers.
The UK government has introduced temporary flexibility measures to help airlines manage potential fuel pressures during the summer season.
Under the revised rules:
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the government remained confident that most passengers would experience normal travel conditions this summer.
However, she described the fuel market situation as “evolving”.
The UK imports around 65% of its jet fuel, with a significant proportion typically sourced from the Middle East.
Industry concerns have increased following disruption to supply routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
Not all carriers expect widespread disruption.
Budget airlines Wizz Air and easyJet have both said they do not currently anticipate large-scale cancellations linked to fuel supply issues.
Wizz Air’s chief executive also noted that some European airfares had started falling as airlines attempt to stimulate demand among cautious travellers.
Consumer group Which? said airlines routinely cancel around 2% of flights the day before departure under normal operating conditions, suggesting current cancellation levels remain relatively contained.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said package holidays offer travellers additional legal protections if disruption occurs.
The aviation sector now faces a complex operating environment heading into the summer travel season, with fuel markets remaining volatile and geopolitical risks continuing to influence airline planning.
In April, the head of the International Energy Agency warned that Europe could face jet fuel shortages by June unless additional supplies were secured from alternative markets.
While current disruption remains limited, airlines, airports and governments are expected to continue contingency planning as they monitor fuel availability, pricing pressures and the broader impact of instability in the Middle East on global aviation operations.
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