Scandinavian airline SAS is set to cancel approximately 1,000 flights in April as soaring jet fuel prices continue to disrupt airline economics. The move comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict, which has significantly impacted global energy markets.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route responsible for around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, has driven a sharp increase in fuel costs. According to SAS CEO Anko van der Werff, jet fuel prices have doubled within just ten days, creating immediate financial pressure across the aviation sector.
SAS has already begun adjusting its operations, cancelling several hundred flights in March and raising ticket prices to offset rising costs. The airline typically operates around 800 flights daily, meaning the planned April cancellations represent a targeted reduction rather than a full-scale network cut.
The decision reflects broader challenges facing airlines, particularly in managing volatile fuel costs that directly impact profitability. While SAS has attempted to absorb some of the increases, executives have indicated that the speed and scale of the price surge make it difficult to maintain existing schedules without adjustments.
The situation underscores how geopolitical disruptions can quickly ripple through the global aviation industry, forcing airlines to reduce capacity, adjust pricing strategies and reassess route planning in response to rapidly changing market conditions.
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