Rising Fuel Costs Complicate Things for Airlines

After an initial impact on global aviation—with thousands of flights cancelled and passengers stranded awaiting repatriation—the Iran war has struck the sector again, this time through soaring fuel prices that are becoming unaffordable for some airlines. This is the case of Air New Zealand, which has announced the cancellation of 1,100 scheduled flights until early May, affecting about 44,000 passengers, reports Tourinews.

The measure, prompted by the steep rise in kerosene prices, impacts 5 % of the airline’s schedule, affecting both domestic and international routes. However, the carrier clarified that connections to Europe and the United States will remain untouched, explained the airline’s chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar during an interview with New Zealand’s Morning Report program.

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The airline had previously tried to offset costs by raising ticket prices; however, it now says it has reached its limit and is opting to cancel flights.

“Even in these unprecedented times, there is a limit to what we can offer our customers,” Ravishankar emphasized.

Air New Zealand also announced that affected passengers will be rebooked on alternative flights, with the majority being accommodated the same day.