Recent reports indicate that the Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone provides roughly 10% of Europe’s jet fuel imports. As a result, airlines such as Air New Zealand have begun cutting flights in and out of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, while Air India has adjusted its fuel surcharge on domestic flights based on distance. Delta Airlines reported fuel costs of $2.7 billion in the January-March period, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year.

In response to these pressures, many airlines in Asia are trimming services and raising fares. United Airlines and SAS have both cut flights and increased ticket prices, while Air France-KLM plans to lift fares for long-haul journeys. The situation has prompted Ryanair to warn that 10% of its summer flights could be axed if the current conditions persist.

Despite these challenges, the UK government has stated that there are no immediate jet fuel supply shortages, and Airlines UK reported that carriers are currently not experiencing disruptions to jet fuel supplies. However, Goldman Sachs has indicated that 40% of the UK’s jet fuel is at risk, highlighting the precarious nature of the situation.

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, emphasized the urgency of addressing higher fuel costs, stating, “There’s a high sense of urgency to address higher fuel costs and reduce unprofitable flying.” This sentiment is echoed across the industry, as airlines grapple with the financial implications of increased operational costs.

In a more alarming forecast, industry experts warn that if the Strait of Hormuz does not resume passage within three weeks, a systemic jet fuel shortage is expected for the EU. As one industry analyst noted, “The current crisis is best understood as a compound systems shock, affecting safety, costs, and long-term strategic positioning simultaneously.” Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the resumption of passage through this critical waterway.

As the situation develops, the long-term impact of the current Middle East conflict on the airline industry remains uncertain. Airlines are closely monitoring the geopolitical landscape, as any further escalation could exacerbate the challenges they are already facing in terms of fuel supply and pricing.

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Emirates has responded to the challenges by operating a reduced flight schedule to over 100 destinations worldwide. The airline emphasized that “the safety and security of our passengers and crew remain our highest priority and will not be compromised.” Customers booked on Emirates flights between February 28 and May 31 are eligible to rebook or request a refund.

Meanwhile, Ryanair has cancelled millions of seats on flights to popular holiday destinations, citing increased operational costs and disagreements with airports. The airline’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, warned that if the conflict in the Middle East continues, they may have to cancel 5% to 10% of flights through the upcoming months of May, June, and July.

Air India has also been affected, having increased its fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights effective April 10, 2026. The airline operates approximately 60 weekly flights between India and the UK, and they clarified that tickets already issued will not incur the new surcharge unless changes are made that require recalculating the fare.

Skybus, on the other hand, ceased all flights between Newquay Airport and London Gatwick from April 3, 2026, due to rising fuel costs. Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Skybus, stated that “the huge rise in the global cost of fuel following the conflict in the Gulf… forms an insurmountable barrier to the service continuing through April and May.”

As the situation develops, the exact impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on future flight operations remains unclear. Details remain unconfirmed, leaving travelers and airlines alike in a state of uncertainty.

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