Strait of Hormuz jet fuel crisis disrupts 3,400 flights as Lufthansa, Delta, Air Canada, and KLM cut routes

Disruption overview

The Strait of Hormuz crisis has started to hit travelers across Europe and beyond, with around 3,400 flights canceled and more delays and diversions expected as airlines ration fuel and avoid closed Middle East airspace.

Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have all announced schedule cuts, including Air Canada’s suspension of flights linking Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport from 1 June to 25 October.

Air passengers affected should check with their airlines, who must provide care and assistance, including rebooking or refunds, meals, and accommodation where needed.

Get flight compensation

Check if the airline owes you money for your delayed or canceled flight

Disruption details

A jet fuel crunch linked to the widening Iran conflict is already disrupting commercial aviation, with around 3,400 flights canceled as airlines ration fuel and reroute around closed Middle East airspace.

Airlines including Lufthansa, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines have started trimming schedules, and more cuts could follow if supplies do not improve. For passengers, that means last-minute cancellations, longer delays, diversions, and more uncertainty around summer travel.

The pressure is especially acute in Europe. The International Energy Agency says the region has roughly 6 weeks of jet fuel reserves left, and about 75% of its supply is imported. With Iranian supply disrupted and Gulf export routes closed, carriers are being forced to decide which flights they can still operate economically.

The International Air Transport Association is warning that Europe could face widespread summer flight cancellations in late May if fuel availability does not improve. That makes this more than a short-term operational issue. It is already affecting airline planning for the weeks ahead.

The disruption is not limited to flights being canceled outright. Some services are being delayed while airlines wait for fuel, and others are being diverted or sent on longer routings to avoid restricted airspace.

Some of the biggest schedule changes announced so far include:

• Lufthansa plans to close its regional subsidiary CityLine to cut fuel and labor costs.

• Delta Air Lines is dropping 4 summer routes as part of its contingency planning.

• Air Canada will suspend flights linking Toronto Pearson International Airport, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, and John F. Kennedy International Airport from 1 June to 25 October because of the price and scarcity of jet fuel.

• KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is reducing its April timetable because some routes are no longer financially viable.

These changes show how quickly the fuel crunch is spreading across different markets. It is affecting regional operations, summer schedules, and major city connections at the same time.

If your flight is affected, your rights will depend on your route and airline. On flights covered by European passenger protection rules, airlines must still provide care and assistance, including meals, accommodation when needed, and transport to your final destination or a refund.

If you are booked with a non-EU airline, it is also worth checking that carrier’s own policy. And if your trip is part of a package holiday, your tour operator should offer an alternative holiday of equal value or a refund.

Without a rapid improvement in fuel supplies, more schedule reductions look likely. Airlines and regulators are urging passengers to stay flexible, watch airline notifications closely, and be ready for last-minute changes during the peak summer season.

Protect your future trips with AirHelp+

Secure your flights, luggage and get lounge access