- Asian airlines cut flights and carry extra fuel due to jet fuel shortages.
- The Middle East conflict cuts nearly 21pc of global seaborne jet fuel supply.
- AirAsia X loads extra fuel in Malaysia for flights to Vietnam.
- Vietnam Airlines reduces 23 domestic flights per week.
- Batik Air Malaysia cuts domestic capacity by 36pc.
Asian airlines have begun trimming schedules and carrying extra fuel. Carriers cut flights and add refuelling stops as the Middle East conflict squeezes jet fuel supply and prices rise sharply. European carriers brace for similar disruption after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz cuts off nearly 21pc of global seaborne jet fuel supply.
Airlines in lower-income markets such as Vietnam, Myanmar and Pakistan face the sharpest impact after China and Thailand halt jet fuel exports and South Korea caps them at last year’s levels. AirAsia X loads extra fuel in Malaysia before flights to Vietnamese airports because authorities limit the amount available. Vietnam Airlines cuts 23 domestic flights per week while airlines in Myanmar suspend some domestic services and reduce capacity in April.
Batik Air Malaysia slashes domestic capacity by 36pc as a response to the crisis. At least 400000 barrels per day of jet fuel normally produced in the Asia-Pacific region via crude through the Strait of Hormuz have been affected.
Michael O’Leary shared “If there’s a risk to 10pc or 20pc of the fuel supply in June or July or August, then we and other airlines will have to start looking at cancelling some flights or taking some capacity out.”
Chandran Rama Muthy shared “If we were to continue operating without making adjustments, it could further expose the company to operational and financial risk.”
