Air Canada has halted operations on six routes, both within the country and across borders, due to the surge in fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The airline mentioned that jet fuel costs have doubled since the beginning of the Iran crisis, impacting certain less profitable routes and flights that are no longer financially viable. Consequently, schedule adjustments, including frequency reductions, are being implemented.
Effective May 28, the service between Fort McMurray, Alberta, and Vancouver is suspended domestically, while the Yellowknife to Toronto route will be suspended starting August 30. Similarly, Air Canada will temporarily pause operations from Salt Lake City to Toronto beginning June 30, with a plan to resume in 2027.
Moreover, flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will be temporarily suspended from June 1, with operations set to resume on October 25. However, the airline assured that despite these cuts, there will still be 34 daily flights between Canada and LaGuardia Airport in New York and Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Additionally, the previously planned route from Guadalajara, Mexico, to Montreal has also been suspended by Air Canada. The airline stated that affected customers will be contacted with alternative travel options, emphasizing that the overall impact on Air Canada’s planned capacity is approximately one percent of the annual available seat miles.
This decision comes amidst an unprecedented fuel crisis in the air travel industry, with fuel prices more than doubling due to the prolonged U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. As a result, costs are escalating, and airlines are beginning to pass these increases on to consumers.
Other airlines, such as WestJet, have also announced measures to address the escalating fuel prices, including consolidating flights on lower-demand routes. The head of the International Energy Agency has warned of possible flight cancellations in Europe if jet fuel supplies continue to be constrained due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Experts highlight that the aviation industry is facing one of its most severe crises, with long-term implications for fuel availability and flight operations. Airlines are adjusting their strategies, such as raising fares and adding surcharges, to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.
Recent developments, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels and fluctuations in oil prices following announcements from Iran, indicate the complex interplay of geopolitical events on global energy markets.
