German airline Lufthansa will cut 20,000 short-haul flights over the summer, saying the high price of jet fuel has made some journeys “unprofitable” for the firm.<\/p>\n
Jet fuel has more than doubled in price since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran as the conflict has slowed its production and transportation across the Middle East.<\/p>\n
Several airlines, including KLM-France and Delta, have also temporarily cut<\/a> some flights while others have raised ticket prices<\/a> as they pass on expenses to customers.<\/p>\n Analysts have warned that travellers should expect further ticket price rises and more cancelled flights as the conflict continues.<\/p>\n The Gulf is a major source of aviation fuel, accounting for about 50% of Europe’s imports. The bulk of it comes through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed in response to US and Israeli attacks.<\/p>\n The increase in jet fuel prices reflects the role Middle Eastern refineries play in supplies. The Al-Zour refinery in Kuwait alone provides roughly 10% of Europe’s jet fuel imports, according to Energy Intelligence.<\/p>\n