Throughout May, jet fuel prices and Middle East instability continued to drive widespread capacity cuts, fare increases, and route suspensions across global aviation networks. Airlines responded with a mix of schedule reductions, surcharges, and network adjustments.
Here is a summary of the key aviation and travel impacts observed during the month.
Asia-Pacific
- Thai AirAsia began gradual suspensions (since 28 April) from Bangkok (DMK) to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Bali, Kathmandu, and multiple Indian cities including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Guwahati (some through mid-October).
- Fiji Airways suspended Nadi–Dallas-Fort Worth (FJ891/FJ890) from 5 May–16 June.
- Solomon Airlines increased international fares by up to 17% and delayed Honiara–Port Moresby launch to late June.
- Qantas planned suspension of Sydney–Bengaluru from August–October.
- Air India cut capacity in May and announced further reductions in June–July, affecting routes from Delhi to Chicago, Newark, Shanghai, Singapore, plus Mumbai–Dhaka and Mumbai–Malé.
- Link Airways suspended Shellharbour–Brisbane and Shellharbour–Adelaide from 20 May.
- AirAsia and VietJet reduced capacity significantly (up to 30%), with wider regional cuts across Southeast Asia.
- Indonesia AirAsia suspended Bali–Melbourne and Bali–Adelaide from 18 June.
Europe
- EU and national authorities confirmed no widespread jet fuel shortages but introduced contingency planning measures to protect summer capacity.
- Iberia, Vueling, Air Europa maintained stable schedules despite rising costs.
- Turkish Airlines planned cancellation of at least 18 international routes (mainly African destinations) through June.
- EasyJet and Jet2 maintained summer schedules, citing stable fuel supply from diversified imports.
- The European Commission began work on a Fuel Observatory to monitor supply levels and prevent shortages.
Americas
- Air Canada cancelled planned routes including Montréal–Guadalajara and suspended Montréal–Algiers (planned resumption in 2027).
- Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines and Air Transat increased fares or introduced surcharges.
- Air Canada also cut seasonal US routes including Toronto–Sacramento, Vancouver–Raleigh, Toronto–Charleston, Montreal–Austin.
- Delta Air Lines and JetBlue expanded summer reductions, including multiple US domestic and Caribbean routes (e.g. Orlando–San José from 8 July).
Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa and North Africa
- Nigeria faced severe disruption. Rano Air reduced or cancelled routes due to fuel scarcity.
- Airlines across southern Africa introduced fuel surcharges and reduced frequencies.
- Royal Air Maroc suspended 12 routes (including Kinshasa, Brazzaville, Yaoundé, Libreville, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Brussels) due to fuel prices and weak demand.
Key Trends
- Southeast Asia saw the deepest capacity cuts (up to 20–30% reduction across low-cost carriers).
- Airlines increasingly relied on fuel surcharges rather than immediate mass cancellations.
- Europe remained comparatively stable due to diversified fuel sourcing and contingency planning.
- North America focused on selective route pruning and fare increases rather than large-scale cuts.
- Long-haul and low-demand routes were most at risk of suspension.
Advice for travel managers
- Ensure contingency plans are in place, including flexible booking options and alternative transport arrangements.
- Prepare for increased transportation costs and reduced availability.
- Work with airlines and suppliers that offer clear disruption protocols and reliable customer support.
- Proactively engage and validate confirmation status to stay ahead of disruptions.
- Establish clear emergency communication protocols in case of short-notice flight disruptions.
- Factor potential fuel surcharge fluctuations into travel budgets. Fare changes can land with little warning.
- Provide clear, timely updates to support traveller confidence and continuity with decision-making plans.
Riskline will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and their impact on global aviation, sharing updates as new route changes, suspensions, or reinstatements are confirmed. Subscribe to Riskline’s Jet Fuel Crisis Monitor for weekly insights and updates.