German airports warn of possible summer flight cuts as jet fuel prices surge

Airports in Germany are warning that rising jet fuel costs linked to the war in Iran could lead to widespread flight cancellations this summer, potentially affecting millions of passengers.

Association of German Civil Airports (ADV) chief executive Ralf Beisel said the aviation sector is facing sustained pressure from elevated fuel prices, which he attributed to geopolitical tensions.

In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Beisel warned that in a worst-case scenario more than 20 million passengers could be impacted by cancellations or reduced flight schedules. He said budget airlines and routes with weaker demand would be most at risk.

According to Beisel, kerosene prices have remained roughly twice as high as pre-war levels for more than two months, with no clear signs of near-term stabilisation.

“Even if fuel is available, airlines will not be able to operate many flights cost-effectively,” he said.

Industry representatives argue that sustained high fuel costs are putting pressure on airline margins and forcing carriers to reassess routes and capacity planning for the peak travel season.

To help offset the impact, German airports are calling on the government to introduce temporary relief measures, including suspending the aviation tax and reducing it in the medium term. They say such steps would help maintain connectivity and prevent further disruption to air travel during the summer period.

By Sabina Mammadli