Thai Airways International, a major carrier operating from London Heathrow, is set to significantly reduce its flight operations due to escalating energy costs. The airline has notified ticket agents of its decision to cancel flights and decrease frequencies on domestic and international routes spanning Asia and Europe in May 2026, affecting a total of 46 services.
This schedule adjustment comes in the wake of surging fuel prices globally, triggered by ongoing tensions related to the Iran war. Following joint strikes by the US and Israel on critical Iranian sites since the conflict began on February 28, a temporary ceasefire is in effect, but a lasting peace agreement remains elusive.
In response, Iran has retaliated by launching attacks across the Middle East and disrupting the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz. The US has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait, aiming to reopen the waterway and advance diplomatic negotiations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply flows, has had a profound impact on global oil markets, leading to a surge in fuel prices. Citing increased oil expenses and weakened passenger demand during the off-peak tourist season, Thai Airways has attributed these factors as the primary reasons behind its operational adjustments, as reported by The Nation.
The airline has assured that contingency plans have been put in place to support both agents and passengers affected by the changes. Domestic and international routes have been either canceled or scaled back to align with the revised flight schedule.