The total fuel bill for Air France-KLM is expected to reach $9.3 billion in 2026, marking a substantial rise from the previous year. The airline reported a first-quarter operating loss of €27 million, which is significantly better than the €389 million loss analysts had projected.

KLM’s Back on Track improvement program contributed €159 million in savings during the first quarter of 2026. However, KLM CEO Marjan Rintel warned that ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and sharply increased fuel prices will put further pressure on results in the upcoming quarters.

The airline faces challenges as it cannot fully pass on high fuel prices to customers, impacting overall profitability. Brent crude prices have surged to a four-year high of $126 per barrel due to concerns about the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.

Ben Smith, CEO of Air France-KLM, described the operating environment as ‘uncertain,’ reflecting broader trends in the airline industry where cost control is becoming increasingly critical amid rising fuel prices.

Looking ahead, observers expect that if geopolitical tensions persist, airlines like KLM may need to implement more stringent cost control measures to maintain profitability.

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Currently, the aviation industry is facing severe challenges. Lufthansa has grounded up to 27 planes due to soaring kerosene prices and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. KLM has scrapped 160 flights over the next month for similar reasons. The International Energy Agency has indicated that Europe has approximately six weeks of jet fuel remaining, which heightens concerns about future flight operations.

The head of the International Energy Agency noted that if oil supplies remain constrained, flight cancellations could occur soon. EasyJet reported a significant financial impact, with a £25 million loss attributed to skyrocketing jet fuel prices last month. This trend affects not only budget airlines but also major carriers.

Jet2 has advised passengers to arrive at least two hours before their departure time due to the anticipated delays. For those flying with Jet2, check-in closes 40 minutes before scheduled departures—this means travelers need to plan accordingly amidst these disruptions.

TUI is monitoring the situation closely and does not foresee immediate disruptions; however, they remain vigilant as conditions evolve. Airports Council International (ACI) Europe stated that if passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not stabilize within three weeks, a systemic jet fuel shortage could become a reality for the EU.

The implications of this sequence of events are significant for both airlines and passengers. With rising kerosene costs—reportedly having more than doubled since the onset of the Iran war—airlines are grappling with operational challenges while trying to maintain service levels.

Yet, details remain unconfirmed regarding how long the strike action by Spanish Air Traffic Control will last or what specific impact it will have on individual flight schedules. Ryanair’s boss Michael O’Leary expressed a cautious outlook, estimating a 10% to 25% risk that some supplies might be affected through May and June.

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