Air Transat axing 6% of flights due to rising fuel costs

Air Transat is cutting flights to Europe and the Carribean due to skyrocketing fuel prices, joining several airlines that have recently announced service reductions.

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The Montreal-based airline said the service cuts represent a 6% reduction in planned capacity between May to October, meaning fewer flights during the busy summer travel period.

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The company is also extending its suspension of flights to Cuba until October.

“The recent volatility in aviation fuel prices reflects an exceptional environment affecting the entire sector. We are closely monitoring the situation, as cost pressures continue to be felt across the industry,” Transat CEO Annick Guerard said in the company’s news release.

She said that demand for flights “remains strong,” and “additional measures may be implemented depending on how the situation evolves, beyond our control.”

Industry-wide flight reductions

Air Transat’s service cuts follow recent reductions announced by WestJet and Air Canada.

On Monday, WestJet said it was cutting flight capacity by about 1% in April, 3% in May and nearly 6% in June, citing rising fuel costs.

Last week, Air Canada announced it was suspending six routes, including routes to New York City’s JFK airport from Toronto and Montreal between June 1 and Oct. 25.

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On Tuesday, German airline Lufthansa announced it was cutting 20,000 European short-haul flights over the summer, stating high jet fuel prices rendered the routes “unprofitable.”

Other measures to recoup costs

Air Canada, WestJet and Sunwing Vacations have also responded to the pressure of rising fuel costs by introducing fuel surcharges.

Last week, Air Canada raised its baggage fees from $35 to $45 for the first checked bag in its basic economy class on North American and sun destination flights.

The war in Iran, which was sparked by joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Tehran two months ago, has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The vital shipping route, which carries exports from Persian Gulf states, accounts for one-fifth of the world’s crude oil.

Duelling blockades along the strait from Iran and the U.S. have effectively shut the shipping route, triggering a global energy crisis.