A British airline has axed flights due to the repercussions of the conflict in Iran, while Ryanair is cautioning that around 10% of its services may be affected.
Aurigny, based in Guernsey, has decided to cancel certain flights from mid-April to early June in response to the recent military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran. This has resulted in a surge in aviation fuel costs, as reported by the Independent.
In light of the global instability, the airline, which connects the Channel Islands with the UK, has implemented proactive measures to mitigate the impact. Additionally, Aurigny has introduced a temporary fuel surcharge of £2 on all new bookings.
With a 13% drop in flight demand expected for May, Aurigny has been compelled to scrap several departures to and from Guernsey.
Philip Saunders, the chief commercial officer of Aurigny, emphasized the airline’s vulnerability to the prevailing global travel conditions. He cited the impact of ongoing global events on consumer confidence and travel patterns, coupled with the escalating oil prices affecting the aviation sector.
European jet fuel prices have reached a peak of $1,900 per metric ton, according to specialized publication Argus. There are concerns about potential fuel shortages in several European countries in the coming months.
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, has expressed concerns about the airline’s summer schedule viability due to escalating fuel costs amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. O’Leary warned of possible flight cancellations by European airlines if the crucial shipping lane remains inaccessible.
O’Leary highlighted the critical nature of the situation, stating that if the Strait of Hormuz closure persists, airlines might have to cancel 5%–10% of flights from May to July due to fuel shortages at various airports.
Looking ahead, O’Leary noted the risk of fuel supply disruptions in Europe in May and June if the conflict prolongs, emphasizing the industry’s hope for a swift resolution to avert such disruptions.
He stressed the importance of the timely reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to maintain uninterrupted fuel supplies to the airline industry, emphasizing the need for a prompt conclusion to the conflict to mitigate supply risks.