UK flight cancellations surge as Middle East tensions hit aviation - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

"New data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows 296 UK departures have already been cancelled in May - equivalent to 0.75pc of scheduled flights - a sharp rise from 120 cancellations just six days earlier."

"The uptick reflects growing pressure on airlines from surging fuel costs, which have more than doubled since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East and ongoing disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz."

"Industry analysts say airlines are also timing cancellations strategically to avoid compensation obligations, which apply only when flights are cancelled within 14 days of departure - allowing carriers to adjust schedules without incurring passenger payouts."

"In the UK, International Airlines Group - the parent company of British Airways - has warned that higher fuel costs could hit profits by around €2bn (£1.72bn) this year. Chief executive Luis Gallego said the group does not currently expect any outright fuel shortages during the summer season, but acknowledged the cost environment remains "significantly elevated"."

Airlines have increased flight cancellations at UK airports as jet fuel prices rise and geopolitical tensions disrupt costs and capacity planning for the summer peak. Data shows 296 UK departures were cancelled in May, up sharply from 120 cancellations six days earlier. The increase reflects pressure from fuel costs that have more than doubled since conflict escalation in the Middle East and from ongoing shipping route disruption through the Strait of Hormuz. Peak summer schedules are affected less immediately, but planned flights for June, July, and August show reductions. Airlines are also timing cancellations to avoid compensation rules that apply only when cancellations occur within 14 days of departure. Financial strain is visible across Europe, including Lufthansa’s planned cancellation of about 20,000 flights and profit warnings from IAG.

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