A British airline has called off flights because of the repercussions of the conflict in Iran, while Ryanair is cautioning that around 10% of its services might be axed.
Aurigny, operating out of Guernsey, has eliminated certain flights from mid-April to early June in response to the recent military actions by the US and Israel against Iran, causing a surge in aviation fuel costs, as reported by The Independent.
The airline, connecting the Channel Islands with the UK, has labeled these reductions as proactive steps to counter the effects of global instability, and has introduced a temporary £2 fuel surcharge on all new bookings.
Aurigny has stated a 13% drop in flight demand for May, prompting the airline to cancel some flights to and from Guernsey.
Philip Saunders, Aurigny’s chief commercial officer, mentioned to The Independent that despite being a small island community, they are not shielded from the challenges posed by the global travel environment. He pointed out that ongoing global events are impacting consumer confidence and altering travel patterns, along with the noticeable uptick in global oil prices affecting the aviation sector.
European jet fuel prices hit a record high of $1,900 per metric ton recently, according to specialized publication Argus, which also warned of potential fuel shortages in various European countries in the near future.
Ryanair’s CEO raised concerns that the airline may need to trim its summer flight schedule due to escalating fuel costs if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
Michael O’Leary highlighted the possibility of European airlines having to cancel flights starting at the end of April if the crucial shipping route stays shut. He emphasized the uncertainty faced by airlines if the strait remains inaccessible for an extended period.
In an interview with Sky News, O’Leary expressed hopes for a swift resolution to the conflict to avoid disruptions in jet fuel supplies in Europe during May and June. He stressed the importance of the timely reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate supply risks for the industry.
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