Aer Lingus Cuts Flights, Fuel Woes Hit Airlines

0:00On April 19, Air Lingus is slashing more than 500 flights from its summer schedule, hitting transatlantic routes and European spots hard. The airline says most passengers will hop on same day replacement flights if theirs gets axed. Officials blame mandatory aircraft maintenance for the cuts, right as their peak summer ops kickoff. But bigger forces are a play from the U.S. clash with Iran, choking off the straight of Hormuz and spiking global fuel woes. Travelers are sweating these changes, especially with Europe sitting on just six weeks of jet fuel reserves. The International Energy Agency warns cancellations could ramp up fast if oil stays pinched. Other carriers feel the heat, too. Air France, KLM, running long haul from Ireland, jacked up fares over Middle East fuel surges, 50 euros extra on round trip long hauls to North. America, plus 10 euros on shorter economy runs. As tension simmer, airlines scramble to keep wings in the air, so double check your bookings before you jet off this season.

1:02Europe news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters across Europe.