Quick summary
Airlines including United, Air New Zealand, and Scandinavian Airlines have canceled thousands of flights due to jet fuel shortages and price surges triggered by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz closure. Jet fuel prices doubled to $195 per barrel by late March 2026, forcing carriers to cut 5–10% of capacity through early May. North American cancellation rates hit 14.6% on recent peak days, while Air New Zealand axed 1,100 flights and Scandinavian Airlines cut 1,000 services in April alone.
European airports in Milan, Venice, and Bologna are rationing refueling. If the Strait remains closed, Ryanair warns 10–20% fuel shortages could force 5–10% summer schedule cuts by June.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early March 2026 has severed 20% of global oil transit, triggering a cascade of flight cancellations across US, European, and Asia-Pacific carriers as jet fuel supplies tighten and prices spike. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated the fuel surge adds $11 billion in annual costs if sustained — a figure that translates directly into trimmed schedules and higher fares.
United is cutting 5% of flights on less profitable routes over the next two quarters, prioritizing peak-hour services and axing off-peak departures. Air New Zealand has removed 1,100 flights through early May. Vietnam Airlines suspended seven domestic routes from April 1 and plans 10–20% capacity cuts if prices remain at $160–200 per barrel.
Asian refineries, starved of Persian Gulf feedstock, have slashed jet fuel production — the scarcity is hitting Asia now and will reach Europe in May and June, according to the International Energy Agency.
How fuel rationing is reshaping flight operations
Four Italian airports — Bologna, Milan Malpensa, Treviso, and Venice — are restricting refueling to preserve dwindling supplies. Ryanair has warned that if disruptions continue, 10–20% fuel shortages at European airports by June could force the carrier to cancel 5–10% of summer flights at constrained hubs. Lufthansa is preparing to ground 40 aircraft as a precautionary measure.
The fuel crisis compounds existing operational pressures from Middle East airspace avoidance, which adds flight time and fuel burn to Asia-Pacific routes. Global cancellations reached 7% of scheduled flights on one recent Monday, with North America posting the highest regional rate at 14.6%.
Delta Air Lines holds a partial hedge through its Monroe Energy refinery, but even Delta has trimmed seasonal routes like Los Angeles–Anchorage. Carriers without refinery assets or long-term fuel contracts are absorbing the full price shock — and passing it to passengers through fare hikes and schedule cuts.
| Airline | Flights cut | Timeframe | Primary impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air New Zealand | 1,100 | Through early May | Asia-Pacific routes |
| Scandinavian Airlines | 1,000 | April 2026 | European network |
| United Airlines | 5% capacity | Next two quarters | Off-peak/red-eye flights |
| Vietnam Airlines | 7 routes suspended | From April 1 | Domestic Vietnam |
| Ryanair (projected) | 5–10% summer | June if unresolved | Fuel-constrained hubs |
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Regional breakdown: who’s affected and how
North America: United Airlines is trimming 5% of flights on less profitable routes — off-peak departures and red-eyes — over the next two quarters. Delta has a refinery hedge but is cutting some seasonal routes like LAX–Anchorage. North American cancellation rates spiked to 14.6% on recent peak days. Check United and Delta bookings via airline apps today.
Europe: Airports in Bologna, Milan, Treviso, and Venice are restricting refueling. Ryanair faces supply disruptions in May and June that could force 5–10% summer cuts. Lufthansa is preparing to ground 40 aircraft, and Scandinavian Airlines cut 1,000 flights in April. Monitor Ryanair and Lufthansa status for constrained hubs.
Australasia: Air New Zealand is axing 1,100 flights — 5% of capacity — through early May due to costs and shortages. Rebook Air New Zealand Asia-Pacific legs via the official site immediately.
Within Asia: Vietnam Airlines suspended seven domestic routes from April 1 and plans 10–20% cuts if prices hit $160–200 per barrel. Broader refinery production drops are affecting the region. Avoid Vietnam domestic routes and check international flights via airline alerts.
What to do if you have a booking or are planning a trip
The fuel crisis is forcing airlines to prioritize profitable routes and cancel marginal services with minimal notice — act now to protect your trip.
- Existing booking on affected airline (United, Air New Zealand, SAS, Vietnam Airlines): Check flight status via airline app or website now (united.com/tripstatus, airnewzealand.co.nz/flight-status). Request rebooking or waiver without fee per fuel crisis policy — call United at 1-800-UNITED-1. Expect off-peak cuts first.
- Planning new trip to/from Asia-Pacific: Book flexible fares on Delta (refinery hedge) or hedged low-cost carriers. Avoid May–June travel through Europe and Asia for now — use google.com/flights with “free changes” filter. Add trip interruption insurance.
- Currently in transit: At fuel-restricted airports (Milan, Venice), confirm refueling with Air BP. Standby for priority on shorter or fuel-efficient flights. Contact airline operations desk on-site.
- Monitoring summer travel: If the Strait remains closed through April, expect 5–10% schedule cuts across European and Asian carriers by June. Book now if you have fixed dates — fares will rise as inventory shrinks.
Watch: The IEA’s April 15 oil supply report will reveal whether Persian Gulf losses are accelerating — if they double as predicted, European fuel rationing will expand beyond Italy by late May.
Questions? Answers.
Which airlines are cutting the most flights due to fuel shortages?
Air New Zealand has cut 1,100 flights (5% of capacity) through early May, Scandinavian Airlines removed 1,000 flights in April, and United Airlines is trimming 5% of capacity over the next two quarters, focusing on off-peak and red-eye routes. Vietnam Airlines suspended seven domestic routes from April 1.
Why are jet fuel prices spiking now?
The Strait of Hormuz closed in early March 2026 after US/Israel strikes on Iran, disrupting 20% of global oil transit. Asian refineries lost Persian Gulf feedstock and cut jet fuel production, while global demand remained constant. Prices doubled to $195 per barrel by late March — a level that adds $11 billion in annual costs for a carrier the size of United Airlines.
Will my airline waive change fees if my flight is canceled?
Most carriers are waiving change fees for fuel-related cancellations under force majeure policies. Contact your airline directly via phone or app — United at 1-800-UNITED-1, Air New Zealand via airnewzealand.co.nz/contact. Request rebooking to the next available flight or a full refund if no acceptable alternative exists. Act within 24 hours of notification.
Which European airports are rationing jet fuel?
Bologna, Milan Malpensa, Treviso, and Venice are restricting refueling to preserve dwindling supplies. Ryanair warns that if disruptions continue, 10–20% fuel shortages at European airports by June could force 5–10% summer schedule cuts at constrained hubs. Lufthansa is preparing to ground 40 aircraft as a precautionary measure.
