Montreal-based airline Air Transat will cut around six per cent of its flights between May and October as the war in Iran pushes jet fuel prices globally, the airline said in a statement.
Citing “fuel price volatility” and “supply constraints,” the company said it is cutting flights on multiple routes to Europe and the Caribbean.
The exact number of impacted flights is not yet clear.
The ongoing suspension of flights to Cuba, owing to the fuel crisis in that country, will be extended till October as well.
Travellers hit by the flight cuts are being presented with alternative travel options, Air Transat said.
The situation is “beyond our control,” the airline said.
“The recent volatility in aviation fuel prices reflects an exceptional environment affecting the entire sector. We are closely monitoring the situation, as cost pressures continue to be felt across the industry,” said Air Transat president and CEO Annick Guerard.
“We will continue to optimize our program based on demand, which remains strong. Additional measures may be implemented depending on how the situation evolves beyond our control,” Guerard added.
Jet fuel prices have skyrocketed across the world since the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began in late February, kicking off a broader Middle East conflict. In response to the strikes, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz for all shipping traffic.
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The key waterway accounts for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply — 20 million barrels per day.
On Tuesday, German airline Lufthansa said it would be cancelling around 20,000 short-haul flights across Europe as the war in Iran causes the price of aviation fuel to soar.
Earlier this week, WestJet said it is cutting flight capacity by about one per cent in April, three per cent in May and nearly six per cent in June.
Earlier this month, WestJet announced a temporary fuel surcharge of $60 on bookings made through WestJet Rewards companion vouchers.
WestJet did not say how long the temporary fuel surcharge will remain in place but told its customers it would be removed “once jet fuel prices return to normal levels.”
For Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec, it announced a fuel charge of $50 per person.
Air Canada announced last week it would suspend six routes, citing fuel costs that render them unprofitable.
The move included routes to New York City’s JFK airport from Toronto and Montreal between June 1 and Oct. 25.
Last week, Air Canada also announced higher baggage fees — to $45 from $35 for the first checked bag in its basic economy class on domestic, U.S. and sun destination flights.
Fuel often marks airlines’ highest cost. Air Canada spent more than $5.1 billion on it in 2024, amounting to 24 per cent of the carrier’s operating costs — its largest expense.
— With files from The Canadian Press
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