German airline Lufthansa has announced plans to cancel approximately 20,000 flights across Europe during the summer season, citing sharply rising fuel costs that have made many routes unprofitable.
The price of jet fuel has surged dramatically since the outbreak of the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Disruptions to production and transportation across the Middle East have significantly reduced supply, putting pressure on airlines worldwide.
Several major carriers, including Air France–KLM and Delta Air Lines, have already scaled back certain routes or temporarily reduced flight frequencies. Others have responded by increasing ticket prices, passing the higher operational costs on to passengers.
Industry analysts warn that travelers should prepare for continued fare increases and further flight cancellations if the geopolitical tensions persist. The Middle East remains a crucial source of aviation fuel, accounting for nearly half of Europe’s imports. Much of this supply passes through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has reportedly been disrupted amid escalating tensions.
Lufthansa confirmed that it will temporarily suspend flights to and from several European cities, including Gdańsk, Ljubljana, Rijeka, Stuttgart, Trondheim, Tivat, and Wrocław, among others.
Meanwhile, the International Energy Agency has warned that Europe could face a serious shortage of aviation fuel within weeks if supply chains are not stabilized.
Experts say the aviation industry may enter a period of prolonged volatility, with airlines forced to rethink schedules, optimize routes, and reduce capacity. Passengers are advised to book early, monitor flight updates closely, and prepare for potential disruptions throughout the summer travel season.
