A well-known airline has cut more flights from its summer schedule, removing three popular holiday destinations for British travelers. The airline cited increased kerosene prices as the reason for scaling back some routes.
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, which serves 19 UK airports, has decided to cancel all flights to Dubai until June 22, following the previous cancellation of flights up to June 14. Flights to Saudi cities Riyadh and Dammam are also suspended until June 14.
The airline stated, “KLM has opted to cancel flights to Dubai until June 22. The situation remains the same for flights to Riyadh and Dammam, which are cancelled until June 14.”
In an announcement on April 21, the airline mentioned uncertainties in the Middle East as the reason for extending the cancellations until June 14 for Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam flights. KLM emphasized passenger and crew safety as its top priority and assured affected travelers would receive personal notifications.
Passengers with canceled flights have the option to change their booking or request a refund through the KLM website. The airline continues to monitor the situation closely and maintains communication with relevant authorities.
Initially, KLM adjusted some of its Middle Eastern flight schedules on April 16 due to increased kerosene costs affecting certain European flights. Despite no kerosene shortage, KLM reduced 80 return flights to and from Schiphol, representing less than 1% of its European flight operations during that period.
Passengers impacted by the changes will be rebooked on the next available flight, especially for frequently served destinations like London and Düsseldorf. KLM anticipates a busy holiday period in May and assures passengers of smooth travel to their intended destinations.
Recently, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned of potential jet fuel shortages in Europe within six weeks, leading to flight disruptions by early June. The crisis stems from Middle East conflicts obstructing the Strait of Hormuz, hindering vital fuel supplies. This situation poses risks to summer travel, prompting airlines to closely manage their fuel reserves.
Derren Nathan, head of equity research at Hargreaves Lansdown, highlighted the fluctuating Brent Crude prices and the ripple effects of the crisis on airline operations. The IEA’s caution regarding European jet fuel supplies running low further adds to the complexities airlines face amid the ongoing situation in the Gulf.