Thai Airways International, a major airline operating from London Heathrow, will be scaling back its flight operations due to escalating energy costs. The airline has informed ticket agents about its decision to cancel flights and reduce frequencies on both domestic and international routes spanning Asia and Europe in May 2026. This adjustment affects a total of 46 services.
The move comes in response to surging fuel prices worldwide following military actions in Iran. The US and Israel have conducted joint strikes on key Iranian sites since the conflict began on February 28. Although a temporary ceasefire is in effect, a lasting peace agreement has not been established.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted various sites across the Middle East and has closed the vital Strait of Hormuz trade route. Consequently, the US has initiated a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait to reopen the passage and push for negotiations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade flows, has disrupted the oil markets, leading to a spike in fuel prices. Thai Airways attributes the flight reduction to the combination of increased oil expenses and reduced passenger demand during the off-peak tourism season, as reported by The Nation.
The airline has assured that alternative arrangements are in place to support both agents and passengers affected by the changes. Domestic and international routes have been either canceled or downsized as a result of these developments.