Summer flights cut

Airlines are cutting summer flights and adding fuel surcharges as jet fuel prices jump and some carriers pull back capacity. (cnbc.com) Reuters reported on April 17 that jet fuel prices had climbed from about $85-$90 a barrel to $150-$200 in recent weeks. Fuel can account for up to a quarter of airline operating costs, and carriers have responded with fare increases, schedule cuts and weaker profit outlooks. (english.alarabiya.net) The International Air Transport Association’s fuel monitor showed the global average jet fuel price at $197.83 a barrel last week, down 5.3% from the prior week but still far above normal levels. CNBC reported that U.S. jet fuel prices had nearly doubled as airlines trimmed schedules and added surcharges or higher fees. (iata.org, cnbc.com) Aer Lingus said on April 19 that it had canceled a number of flights from its summer schedule because of “mandatory maintenance on aircraft.” The airline said the changes affect about 2% of its overall schedule and that the vast majority of customers are being moved to same-day services. (rte.ie) RTÉ said the Sunday Independent had reported that more than 500 Aer Lingus flights were being cut. BBC News reported the same day that the carrier described the changes as a “limited number” of schedule adjustments tied to maintenance. (rte.ie, bbc.co.uk) The timing is hitting the market just before peak summer travel, when fewer flights leave passengers with fewer backup options after a cancellation or missed connection. Associated Press reported on April 16 that a lag in jet fuel supplies in Europe and Asia could make higher fares and flight cancellations more likely within weeks. (pbs.org) NPR reported on April 16 that airlines around the world are cutting routes, raising fares, adding fuel surcharges and boosting baggage fees as jet fuel prices roughly doubled after the Iran war began. CNBC also reported on April 16 that U.S. airlines had raised airfare, fuel surcharges and baggage fees this year to cover the fuel spike. (npr.org, cnbc.com) For travelers, the immediate change is not just a higher ticket price but a thinner timetable. Aer Lingus said most affected passengers are being rebooked the same day, but the wider industry response points to a summer with less slack in the system and more disruption when flights go wrong. (rte.ie, cnbc.com)