The list of airlines cancelling flights continues to grow amid a worsening fuel crisis caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has cut off around a fifth of the world's oil supply, causing prices to soar and constraining access to jet fuel. In Canada, Air Transat, Air Canada and WestJet have all adjusted their schedules in response to cost pressures.
Impact on European and Global Aviation
Earlier this month, regional airport trade association ACI Europe warned that Europe is weeks away from a jet fuel shortage that could trigger severe disruptions to airports and airlines and significantly harm the continent's economy. The concerns come as domestic flights from London, Ontario, are set to increase this summer, which representatives from WestJet say reflects increased demand, despite the fuel crisis.
Airlines Affected
Air Transat
Air Transat is the latest airline to announce cutbacks, saying on Wednesday that it will suspend 6 per cent of flights. In a public statement, the airline said it has revised its 2026 program, with targeted adjustments on certain routes, in response to the “unprecedented aviation fuel crisis and exceptional volatility in energy markets.” “The recent volatility in aviation fuel prices reflects an exceptional environment affecting the entire sector,” said Annick Guérard, president and chief executive officer. “We are closely monitoring the situation, as cost pressures continue to be felt across the industry. We will continue to optimize our program based on demand, which remains strong. Additional measures may be implemented depending on how the situation evolves, beyond our control.” The changes affect planned capacity from May to October 2026.
Air Canada
Canada's largest airline announced plans to suspend six routes last week. Flights from Montreal and Toronto to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport will be cut from June 1 to October 25, 2026, while the Salt Lake City to Toronto route is suspended from June 30 “with plans to resume in 2027.” Domestically, flights between Fort McMurray, Alta., and Vancouver are suspended effective May 28, and the Yellowknife to Toronto route is suspended effective Aug. 30. Meanwhile, a route that had been planned from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Montreal is also suspended, Air Canada said. “We are monitoring the situation closely, but we see no imminent impact on our operations due to a shortage of jet fuel,” Peter Fitzpatrick, Air Canada’s manager of corporate communications, told National Post in a previous email. He added: “That said, jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict and some lower profitability routes and flights are no longer economic, and we are making schedule adjustments accordingly.”
WestJet
WestJet has also adjusted its schedule in response to cost pressures, though specific route cancellations were not detailed in the report. The airline noted that domestic flights from London, Ontario, are set to increase this summer, reflecting increased demand despite the fuel crisis.
Global Context
Several global airlines are also cancelling flights as the jet fuel crisis continues. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted oil supplies worldwide, leading to soaring fuel costs and forcing airlines to reassess their operations. National Post has compiled a list of airlines cancelling flights in Canada and beyond, with more expected as the situation evolves.
