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THE Royal Dutch Airlines (KLM) has announced it will cancel 160 flights across Europe next month, citing rising fuel costs and operational adjustments amid broader pressure on the aviation sector.
The airline said the cancellations are part of schedule revisions for the coming month, with a focus on routes that are no longer financially viable under current cost conditions.
“This involves a small number of flights within Europe that are no longer financially viable to continue at this time due to rising costs,” the company said in a statement, according to Anadolu Ajansi.
KLM clarified that the reductions involve 80 return flights to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, representing less than one per cent of its European operations over the period. The airline also stressed that there is currently no shortage of jet fuel.
The move comes as the global aviation industry faces rising operating costs linked to broader energy market instability, which has been exacerbated by tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions in global oil flows.
The developments have taken place against a backdrop of warnings from the International Energy Agency about tightening fuel supplies and potential knock-on effects for aviation.
The agency has cautioned that Europe could face limited jet fuel availability within weeks if supply disruptions persist, potentially leading to flight cancellations and higher travel costs.
AP cited IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol describing the situation as a severe global energy shock, warning of broader inflationary and growth impacts if conditions do not stabilise.
“In Europe, we have maybe six weeks or so (of) jet fuel left,” Birol said, adding that continued disruption could soon result in cancelled flights between cities due to supply shortages.
Airlines including KLM, easyJet and Delta Air Lines have acknowledged monitoring the situation closely. While none have reported immediate fuel shortages, carriers have warned of increasing cost pressures and potential operational adjustments.
KLM said the affected services are primarily marginal routes that have become unprofitable due to rising kerosene prices, though it emphasised that passenger demand remains strong, particularly ahead of the May holiday period.
The airline added that it is working to minimise disruption and ensure passengers reach their destinations as scheduled.
The carrier also noted that it expects increased passenger volumes over the coming months and is taking steps to manage capacity accordingly.
Industry observers say the combination of higher fuel costs and geopolitical instability has already begun to affect airline scheduling decisions, with further adjustments possible if energy markets remain volatile.
The broader aviation sector continues to face uncertainty as global energy conditions tighten, raising concerns over fares, capacity and long-term operational stability across European air travel. - April 17, 2026
