Berlin: The German Airports Association has warned of the potential cancellation of millions of flights and a surge in airfares due to kerosene shortages.
According to Yemen News Agency, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEO, Ralf Beisel, expressed concerns to the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag about further cancellations of flights, particularly by low-cost carriers and to destinations with limited tourist appeal.
Beisel highlighted that the best-case scenario for 2026 involves stagnation in passenger numbers, while the worst-case scenario could result in a 10 percent reduction in operational capacity at some airports. If these projections were to be generalized to all airports, it could potentially affect 20 million passengers, as reported by the Oman News Agency.
The price of jet fuel (kerosene) has risen sharply due to disruptions in oil shipments caused by ongoing events in the Middle East. This increase has prompted some airlines to cancel flights. Beisel stated, "Kerosene prices have more than doubled in the last two months compared to pre-crisis levels. We also don't expect a return to normal in the coming months. Even if kerosene remains available, airlines will not be able to operate many flights economically at these prices."