Travellers face the risk of cancelled flights this winter because of the continuing high price of aviation fuel, according to industry experts.
With the seemingly endless conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine affecting supplies, there is a likelihood that less-busy routes could be trimmed to help the airlines cash flow.
EasyJet and Lufthansa have already taken the knife to some of their less-profitable routes this winter and there is a likelihood that other airlines could follow suit.
Airlines typically hedge the price of fuel supplies, namely ordering in advance, but as the pre-booked periods expire they are having to buy future supplies at higher prices.
Airline fuel, which has to be especially refined, is currently at 187 dollars per barrel compared to an average of 90 dollars in 2025 – hence the dilemma for airlines which operate in a hugely competitive environment.
But analysts are urging passengers not to be too worried. Any cancellations are likely to be well trailed in advance and would generally involve consolidating flights on busy routes.
