Aviation News – KLM has announced the cancellation of 160 flights to and from Schiphol Airport next month due to sharply rising kerosene prices, highlighting growing cost pressures in European aviation.
The Dutch carrier said the affected flights are primarily within Europe and have been deemed financially unviable under current fuel cost conditions. Passengers booked on these routes will be rebooked on alternative services, particularly on high-frequency routes such as London and Düsseldorf, where multiple daily departures allow for flexible re-accommodation. The decision follows warnings from the International Energy Agency (IEA) that Europe currently holds only about six weeks of aviation fuel reserves, with potential shortages looming by June if supply gaps from the Middle East are not addressed.
The move reflects the operational challenges airlines face as fuel remains one of the largest cost components in aviation. By trimming less profitable flights, KLM aims to maintain overall network efficiency while mitigating financial losses. The airline emphasized that there is no immediate kerosene shortage, but the rising prices are already forcing adjustments to schedules and capacity planning.
