European airlines have already begun cutting flights en masse due to a sharp rise in fuel prices and supply issues. Some carriers are grounding planes, while others are introducing new fees, which passengers are immediately feeling. Learn more about which flights are being canceled, how much ticket prices have risen, and what to expect next

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The European aviation market has begun to react to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices and supply disruptions. Against the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East, carriers’ costs are skyrocketing, and this is already affecting flight schedules and ticket prices.

Airlines are cutting flights, introducing additional fees, and warning of further price hikes. Experts expect that if current conditions persist, the situation will only worsen.

In a previous article, we discussed new tourist taxes in Europe in 2026 and which countries will require tourists to pay more.

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European airlines are cutting flights and grounding planes

The fuel crisis has already moved from predictions to concrete actions by airlines. Carriers have begun rapidly reducing the number of flights and even partially grounding their fleets to cut costs.

One of the first decisions came from Lufthansa. The company announced the suspension of flights for 27 aircraft operated by its subsidiary CityLine, as well as four older aircraft under its own brand. This is the first major step among large European carriers that directly demonstrates the impact of fuel prices on operations.

Meanwhile, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines confirmed the cancellation of 160 flights over the course of one month at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The company emphasized that the decision was not due to a physical fuel shortage but rather an effort to optimize costs amid rapidly rising prices.

The situation extends beyond Europe. For example, airlines in Nigeria have warned of the risk of a complete halt to flights if fuel prices do not stabilize. Since late February, they have risen by approximately 270%, making flight operations economically unviable.

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Airfares are rising: carriers are introducing new fees

Rising jet fuel prices are quickly being passed on to passengers. Airlines have begun massively raising fares and introducing additional fuel surcharges to offset costs.

In particular, Air France and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have already introduced additional surcharges on tickets. For round-trip economy-class flights, the price has risen by approximately 50 euros, and following the latest adjustment, the fuel surcharge could reach as much as 100 euros on top of the base fare.

On long-haul routes, the price increase is even more noticeable. Tickets to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico may rise by 70 euros, while even short flights are gradually becoming more expensive—by approximately 10 euros for economy class round-trip.

British Virgin Atlantic has also raised its fares:

+$70 for economy class

+$240 for premium economy

+$490 for business class

The company’s CEO warned that this is not the limit—if fuel prices continue to rise, surcharges could increase literally every week.

Additionally, the structure of passenger expenses is changing. Some carriers, notably JetBlue, are raising baggage fees in an attempt to offset fuel costs.

As a result, even travelers who have already purchased tickets may face additional costs, and new bookings are becoming increasingly expensive.

In our previous article, we provided a selection of 3 European paradise islands for the perfect honeymoon.

What should passengers expect: forecasts and risks for the coming months?

The current fuel situation is already changing the aviation market, but experts warn: this is just the beginning. If jet fuel prices remain high or continue to rise, the consequences for passengers will become even more noticeable.

Airlines are openly stating that further fare increases are possible. For example, Virgin Atlantic notes that ticket prices may change literally every week depending on fuel prices. This means that delaying the purchase of tickets is becoming increasingly risky.

An additional factor is the gradual expiration of fuel hedges. Specifically, EasyJet has locked in about 70% of its summer fuel needs at a price of $706 per metric ton, but as the season draws to a close, this protection will diminish, which could lead to a new spike in costs.

In the short term, passengers should be prepared for several changes:

- Fewer available flights

- Higher ticket prices, even on popular routes

- The introduction of new fees and additional charges

- Unstable schedules and changes to bookings

If the fuel crisis drags on, the market may resort to even tougher measures—from further route cuts to the temporary suspension of certain destinations.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Some countries are island states with political neutrality, which means that the likelihood of military conflict is quite low. Read more about the countries that are likely to participate in World War III and the top safest countries in the world.

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