SAS Cancels Thousands of Flights Amidst Soaring Jet Fuel Prices

Scandinavian airline SAS is cancelling at least 1,000 flights in April due to a dramatic surge in jet fuel prices, triggered by escalating conflict in the Middle East. The airline is among several global carriers responding to the crisis by increasing fares and reducing capacity.

Fuel Price Spike Forces Flight Cancellations

According to SAS CEO Anko van der Werff, the price of jet fuel has doubled in just ten days. “Even if we try to absorb cost increases as much as possible, this is a shock that directly hits the airline industry,” he told Swedish business daily Dagens Industri. SAS was one of the first airlines to announce fare increases to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs.

The initial wave of cancellations includes several hundred flights in March, primarily on domestic routes in Norway, with limited impact on flights to and from Sweden and Denmark. Further cancellations are anticipated after Easter, a traditionally slower period for air travel.

Broader Industry Impact and Fare Increases

SAS is not alone in facing these challenges. Several airlines, including Air France-KLM, Cathay Pacific, Air India, and Qantas, have likewise implemented fare increases to account for the higher cost of jet fuel. Some airlines have even suspended service to destinations in the Middle East due to security concerns.

The current price surge is linked to the conflict in the Middle East, specifically the rise in Brent oil prices to around $100 per barrel following attacks and retaliatory actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The situation has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global hydrocarbon transport, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.

Norwegian Air Responds to SAS Cancellations

Rival carrier Norwegian is increasing its capacity to accommodate passengers affected by SAS’s cancellations. The airline is adding 120 extra departures between March 25th and April 12th, particularly on routes from Nordic countries to popular destinations in Spain.

Looking Ahead

Experts predict that elevated ticket prices could persist for months, even if the conflict in the Middle East de-escalates. Increased demand for flights that avoid Middle Eastern and Gulf stopovers is also contributing to higher fares. SAS expects its average flight to cost 500 SEK (£40.30) more, while transatlantic flights could increase by approximately 2,700 SEK (£218).