Airlines worldwide are reducing capacity by around two million seats this May, equivalent to roughly 13,000 fewer flights, as carriers adjust operations due to rising fuel costs linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.
The cuts come as airlines revise their schedules in response to a sharp increase in jet fuel prices, a key operational expense that has surged amid geopolitical instability. As a result, services have been scaled back across multiple routes, raising concerns about potential disruptions during the peak summer travel season.
Industry experts warn that the situation could lead to further cancellations and reduced availability, particularly in Europe, where demand typically spikes in the summer months. Travelers may face higher ticket prices and limited flight options if the fuel crisis persists.
Airlines are now balancing cost pressures with demand, attempting to maintain profitability while navigating an increasingly volatile global environment.
