Flight cancellations mount as fuel shortages disrupt global travel networks
Up to 13,000 flights have reportedly been cancelled globally this month as fuel shortages and soaring jet fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict place mounting pressure on airlines
Airlines have removed nearly two million seats and cancelled an estimated 12,000–13,000 flights from May schedules as jet fuel shortages and soaring fuel prices linked to the Iran conflict disrupt the global aviation network.
Cirium data cited across multiple media reports shows global airline capacity has fallen sharply in recent weeks, with available seats reportedly dropping from around 132 million to 130 million as carriers cut services to manage escalating fuel costs and supply uncertainty.
German airports including Frankfurt, Munich, and Stuttgart have been among the hardest hit. Lufthansa removed tens of thousands of flights from future schedules as it attempts to offset rising operational costs, while British airports have also seen cancellations on routes including Heathrow to Beijing, Cairo, and Barcelona, alongside Manchester to Munich services.
Other carriers reducing operations include Delta, Air China, Air France, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Emirates.
The disruption highlights the growing exposure of global travel networks to geopolitical instability and supply chain vulnerabilities, with insurers likely to face increased claims linked to delays, cancellations, missed connections, and stranded passengers.
The UK’s dependence on imported jet fuel from the Middle East has also come under renewed focus. Fuel suppliers have reportedly warned airlines that Britain currently has the least “visibility” in Europe into jet fuel supply resilience, particularly if disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz continue into the peak summer travel period.
Cirium has separately warned that Europe could face a “severe jet fuel crunch” ahead of the summer rush if supply pressures intensify further.
The UK government last week announced temporary slot alleviation measures, allowing airlines greater flexibility to consolidate or cancel flights without automatically losing valuable airport slots.
The developments come amid broader signs of growing traveller anxiety around international mobility.
Recent survey data from Global Rescue found that 56% of travellers are more concerned about personal safety abroad than they were a year ago, while virtually none believe international travel has become safer in 2026.