Passengers should brace for a significant deterioration in air travel, as airlines ramp up flight cancellations and ground aircraft under the pressure of surging fuel prices.
The Dutch carrier KLM has announced it will cut 80 return flights at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport next month, joining a growing list of major airlines scaling back operations. Among them are United Airlines, Deutsche Lufthansa, and Cathay Pacific Airways, all of which have trimmed schedules in an effort to contain mounting losses.
Global capacity for May has already dropped by around 3%, according to data compiled by Cirium, with all but one of the world’s top 20 airlines reducing flights. “Further cuts appear highly likely,” warned Richard Evans, a senior consultant at the firm.
Dark Clouds Over the Summer Season
Disruptions that began with the war in Iran, initially limited to the Middle East, have now spread globally, threatening the summer travel season. A U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has further strained oil supplies, with no quick resolution in sight and infrastructure damage likely to linger.
“Any marginal flight will likely be reassessed,” said Ed Bastian of Delta Air Lines, as he flagged $2.5 billion in additional fuel costs, calling it a major test for the industry.
Fuel availability is also a growing concern. The International Energy Agency warns Europe may have just six weeks of reserves, while Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic Airways, and EasyJet have only forecast supply through mid-May. The European Union is now preparing contingency plans amid the risk of prolonged disruption.
A Growing List of Cuts
Lufthansa has taken major steps, shutting down its CityLine unit, grounding 27 aircraft, and cutting capacity due to strikes and rising fuel costs. Air Canada has canceled some New York routes, while Norse Atlantic has suspended Los Angeles flights. Virgin Atlantic and British Airways have also reduced routes.
African carriers warn of “existential threats,” and Qantas and Cathay Pacific are cutting capacity. As the crisis worsens, passengers face fewer flights, higher fares, and ongoing disruption worldwide.
