German airline giant Lufthansa Group announced on 21 April 2026 that it would cut 20,000 flights over the next six months to save 40,000 metric tonnes of jet fuel, as airlines worldwide face fuel shortages and rapid price rises caused by the US-Israel war on Iran. The move represents a less than one percent reduction in average seat-kilometre capacity.
According to the New York Times, airlines across Europe warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would lead to severe fuel shortages and operational disruptions. Lufthansa said only that it had "jet fuel supply secured for the coming weeks" — longer-term uncertainty remains.
A similar move came from Air Canada, which on 19 April announced the temporary suspension of all flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York's John F Kennedy airport from 1 June to 25 October citing rising fuel prices. Spirit Airlines and other US carriers have also flagged capacity reduction plans.
Key Takeaways:
1. Lufthansa is cutting 20,000 flights over six months to save 40,000 tonnes of jet fuel.
2. The capacity reduction represents less than one percent of average seat-kilometres.
3. The Iran war and Hormuz closure have escalated fuel-shortage risk for European airlines.
4. Air Canada also suspended Toronto-New York flights from June through October.
5. US carriers such as Spirit Airlines are also planning capacity cuts.
