Berlin: The German Airports Association has warned of the possible cancellation of millions of flights and higher air ticket prices amid expected shortages in kerosene supplies. Ralph Beisel, Chief Executive Officer of the association, expressed concerns about the impact of rising fuel costs on the aviation industry.
According to Emirates News Agency, Beisel told the Sunday edition of the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag that there are growing concerns over additional flight cancellations, particularly by low-cost airlines and on routes to destinations with limited tourism appeal. He emphasized that the situation could lead to significant disruptions in air travel.
Beisel highlighted that under the best-case scenario for 2026, passenger numbers would stagnate. However, the worst-case scenario could see operational capacity at some airports decline by 10 percent, potentially affecting up to 20 million passengers. This decline could result in some destinations no longer receiving flights, while others might experience reduced frequency and increased ticket prices.
The surge in jet fuel prices follows disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, triggered by the Iran war. This escalation has already prompted some airlines to cancel a number of flights, underscoring the challenges faced by the aviation sector in maintaining operational stability.