Iran war: Jet fuel crisis deepens as Lufthansa cuts flights

The global aviation industry is facing a severe crisis, with the ongoing conflict in Iran casting a long shadow over flight routes and fuel availability. German flag carrier Lufthansa has taken the drastic step of canceling 20,000 flights from May to October, a move directly attributed to the escalating cost and scarcity of jet fuel. This decision, which will save an estimated 40,000 metric tons of fuel, highlights the profound impact of the conflict on air travel.

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the price of which has doubled since the outbreak of the Iran conflict.

Lufthansa's announcement is not an isolated incident. Other airlines across Europe and the Asia-Pacific region are also struggling. Dutch airline KLM has already canceled 160 flights, and the specter of widespread cancellations looms large as the summer holiday season approaches. The price of jet fuel has reportedly doubled since the conflict erupted, placing immense pressure on airline budgets and forcing them to re-evaluate their operational capacities.

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equivalent to approximately 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel

Concerns are mounting over the dwindling supply of jet fuel in Europe. The International Energy Agency has warned that the continent may have as little as six weeks' supply remaining. While some member states, like the Netherlands with its significant refining capacity, suggest a longer supply outlook, the potential for a genuine supply crisis is undeniable. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy flows, exacerbates the situation, particularly for Europe, which relies heavily on Middle Eastern imports for its jet fuel. The European Union is exploring measures such as fuel sharing among member states to mitigate the impact, underscoring the gravity of the unfolding situation.

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as little as six weeks' supply of jet fuel left