Rescheduling in May could be followed by summer cancellations as Middle East war continues to disrupt fuel supplies
Two million airline seats have been cut from this month’s schedules as airlines redraw their operations because of soaring jet fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict.
About 13,000 fewer flights will operate in May around the world after recent cancellations, according to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium.
Although the figure represents less than 2% of global aviation capacity, and only a net 111 flights have disappeared from London Heathrow schedules it comes amid fears that the long-term supply of jet fuel could cause further summer cancellations, with UK airlines told at the weekend they could have more flexibility to consolidate flights on popular routes if needed.
Some of the 2m seats have been cut by using smaller planes, as well as outright cancellations.
