The Association of German Airports (ADV) has warned that air travellers could face more flight cancellations and higher ticket prices as airlines struggle with growing jet fuel shortages.
Chief Executive of the association, Ralph Beisel, said the situation could significantly affect air travel in the coming months, especially for low-cost carriers and less popular tourist routes.
“We fear further flights will be cancelled, particularly by low-cost airlines and to destinations of lesser importance to tourism,” Mr Beisel told the Sunday edition of Welt newspaper.
According to him, even the most optimistic forecast for 2026 suggests that passenger numbers may only remain at current levels without any growth. He warned that the worst-case scenario could see some airports lose up to 10 percent of their operating capacity.
Mr Beisel explained that if such losses spread across Germany’s airport network, about 20 million passengers could be affected. Some travel routes may disappear entirely, while other destinations could experience fewer flights and increased airfares.
The concerns come as the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transport routes. The disruption has pushed jet fuel prices sharply higher and forced some airlines to cancel flights.
“Kerosene prices have been twice as high as before the war for more than two months. We do not expect the situation to return to normal in the coming months either,” Mr Beisel said.
He added that even when airlines are able to secure fuel supplies, many flights may no longer generate enough profit because of the high operating costs.
“Even if kerosene is available, airlines will not be able to operate many flights profitably at these prices,” he stated.
This report was monitored from DPA by The Ghana Report.
