An airline based in the UK has had to cancel flights due to the repercussions of the conflict involving Iran, while another major carrier, Ryanair, is cautioning that as much as 10% of its flight services could be affected.
Aurigny, operating out of Guernsey, has decided to cancel a number of flights from mid-April to early June due to the recent military actions by the US and Israel against Iran. This has led to a surge in aviation fuel prices, prompting the airline to take proactive steps in response to the global instability. Additionally, a temporary fuel adjustment surcharge of £2 has been applied to all new bookings.
The airline has reported a 13% decline in flight demand for May, leading to the necessity of scrapping several departures to and from Guernsey. Philip Saunders, Aurigny’s chief commercial officer, emphasized the impact of current global events on consumer confidence and travel trends, pointing out the significant rise in oil prices affecting the aviation industry.
European jet fuel prices have hit a record high of $1,900 per metric ton, according to the specialized publication Argus, which has raised concerns about potential fuel shortages in various countries in the coming months.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has expressed concerns about the possibility of not being able to operate the full summer flight schedule if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. He warned that European airlines might have to start canceling flights by the end of April if the crucial shipping lane does not reopen soon.
O’Leary highlighted the unpredictability faced by airlines in determining which routes to cancel based on airports experiencing fuel shortages. He stressed the need for a swift resolution to the conflict to avoid disruptions in fuel supply and flight services in Europe.
In an interview with SkyNews, O’Leary reiterated the potential risks to fuel supply if the conflict persists, expressing hope for a speedy resolution to prevent any disruptions in the aviation industry throughout May and June. The CEO emphasized the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz to ensure a stable fuel supply chain and uninterrupted flight operations.
