Airlines in Canada and around the world are beginning to cancel flights as a worsening jet fuel shortage—linked to disruptions in the Middle East—pushes the aviation industry toward what experts are calling an unprecedented crisis.
While fewer than one per cent of flights in Canada have been cancelled so far, industry experts warn this is only the beginning. Airlines are reassessing summer schedules as fuel prices continue to surge, with jet fuel costs more than doubling compared to last year due to the ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.
Canadian carriers including Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines and Air Transat have already begun adjusting operations—cutting routes, reducing frequency, and introducing fuel surcharges to offset rising costs. Air Transat alone plans to cut around 1,000 flights between May and October, while WestJet and Air Canada are scaling back capacity and suspending less profitable routes.
Despite having stronger domestic fuel production compared to Europe and Asia, Canada is still heavily impacted by global price spikes. Experts say airlines could be losing hundreds of millions of dollars, raising concerns about long-term financial strain on the sector.
For travellers, the impact is expected to intensify in the coming months. With fewer seats available and demand remaining strong, airfare prices are likely to rise—and may not fall even if fuel supplies stabilize.
Industry analysts say the situation remains highly uncertain, with future disruptions depending largely on geopolitical developments. As airlines continue to adjust, passengers are being advised to prepare for higher costs and potential schedule changes throughout the peak travel season.
