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Major airlines around the world are canceling flights as the ongoing conflict in Iran drives oil prices to historic highs, forcing carriers to rethink operations and route schedules.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane, has sent jet fuel prices soaring, with analysts warning that costs could stay above $100 a barrel and even spike toward $175 in the coming months. For airlines, this means skyrocketing operating expenses that some routes simply cannot absorb.
United Airlines, the world’s largest airline by fleet size, announced it will cut five percent of flights in the second and third quarters of 2026, affecting roughly 250 flights per month. Chief Executive Scott Kirby said the move is necessary to avoid burning cash on routes where rising fuel costs would outweigh ticket revenue. The reductions will mainly hit midweek, overnight, and Saturday services, focusing on less profitable domestic and international routes.
Other carriers have also announced cuts. Air New Zealand canceled 1,100 domestic flights, impacting some 44,000 passengers, while Scandinavian airline SAS plans to axe 1,000 mostly domestic flights next month. Most recently, airlines in the Philippines and Vietnam confirmed flight reductions, underscoring the global scale of the disruption.
The Middle East conflict has also forced carriers to take longer detours around closed airspaces and airports, including Dubai, one of the world’s busiest hubs. These longer flights burn more fuel, adding to the financial strain.
UK airlines, meanwhile, have largely avoided immediate cuts thanks to hedging strategies that lock in fuel prices for a set period. Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary said the rising costs will not affect the airline’s low fares, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have canceled flights to certain Middle East destinations considered unsafe for travel.
For passengers, the wave of cancellations comes just as summer travel ramps up, potentially leaving thousands facing disrupted itineraries and higher ticket prices. Airlines say further adjustments are likely if oil prices remain elevated through the end of the year.
*Source: The Sun
