Jet fuel crisis: will flights be canceled?

What’s happening with flight cancellations

Airlines are facing sharply higher jet-fuel costs tied to broader disruptions connected to the Iran conflict. As those expenses rise, carriers have moved from absorbing costs to passing them along—while also cutting capacity.

One of the clearest impacts for travelers is an uptick in cancellations for the coming weeks. Aviation reporting highlighted that airlines have dramatically increased flight cancellations for May, and that cancellations and added charges are showing up alongside “jet fuel crisis” planning pressures.

Why this matters for travelers

For passengers booking summer itineraries, the core risk is schedule instability: even when flights are operating, changes (gate moves, delays, cancellations) can ripple through connections and loyalty benefits.

What to do now

Consider these practical steps:

• Book with flexibility if you can (fare type, change options, or protected tickets).
• Track your flight closely in the final days before departure, since last-minute cancellations are possible.
• Build buffer time for connections so you’re less exposed if a first segment is disrupted.
• Check for fee changes at checkout and re-verify baggage rules before you travel.

The bottom line

The direction of travel is toward fewer “absorbed” costs and more disruption risk. While not every route is affected equally, the overall pattern signals that travelers should plan for potential schedule changes—especially during peak periods when airlines have less room to absorb losses.