Another Victim of the War :Flight Cancellations have Started

Picture Credit: by Pakistan Today

The crisis around the Strait of Hormuz is no longer just a geopolitical flashpoint. It is now shaking global aviation, as rising fuel prices force airlines across continents to cut flights, raise fees, and rethink entire schedules. What began as tensions in West Asia is rapidly turning into a worldwide travel disruption.

Germany’s flagship carrier Lufthansa has announced one of the biggest responses so far, canceling nearly 20,000 short-haul flights through October. The airline says soaring jet fuel costs have made many routes financially unsustainable. These cuts alone are expected to save around 40,000 metric tons of fuel, underscoring the scale of the pressure now facing carriers.

Lufthansa is far from alone. Air Canada has suspended several U.S. routes, while Delta Air Lines has reduced parts of its network. Ireland’s national airline has dropped more than 500 flights from its summer schedule. AirAsia X has cut 10 percent of flights across its group, while Air New Zealand is reducing operations through May and June. Cathay Pacific is also trimming services between mid-May and the end of June.

The impact is spreading beyond flight cancellations. Airlines are passing on costs to passengers through higher baggage fees and fuel surcharges. In India, carriers such as IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air have introduced extra fuel charges on both domestic and international routes.

Industry warnings are growing sharper. Airports Council International Europe has warned that jet fuel shortages could begin within two weeks if supply does not stabilize. The International Energy Agency has cautioned that global jet fuel reserves could fall to just 23 days by June if current disruptions continue.

The consequences are already visible: fewer flights, higher fares, and fewer travel choices. With the peak summer season approaching, millions of passengers around the world are now facing the prospect of delays, cancellations, and severely disrupted travel plans as aviation becomes another victim of war.