Rising Jet Fuel Prices Disrupt Global Air Travel
Airlines around the world have faced major disruptions in 2026 as a sharp increase in jet fuel prices has pushed operating costs higher. The crisis began after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted global oil supplies, causing crude oil and jet fuel prices to rise dramatically.
The impact on airlines has been severe. Spirit Airlines stopped operating flights in May after reporting that rapidly increasing fuel costs had caused a serious decline in its financial position. Other airlines have responded by cutting flights, grounding aircraft, and retiring older planes.
European airlines have also cut back on their schedules. KLM canceled 160 European routes, while SAS canceled around 1,000 flights. Lufthansa announced plans to ground aircraft and remove thousands of flights that were considered economically unviable.
The United States has experienced similar problems. United Airlines reduced its planned capacity by 5%, while its CEO said ticket prices could increase by 15–20% to compensate for higher fuel expenses. American Airlines also changed its financial forecasts to reflect significantly higher fuel costs.
The effects have spread to Asia and the cargo industry as well. Cathay Pacific has canceled some scheduled passenger flights, while cargo operators have had to change routes because of reduced capacity and disruptions to international supply chains.
Airlines have also passed on some of their additional costs to passengers through higher fares and fuel surcharges. By late April, average international airfares from the United States were 16% higher than a year earlier, while domestic fares had increased by 24%.
The financial consequences have been substantial. The International Air Transport Association expects global airline profits to fall from approximately $45 billion in 2025 to $23 billion in 2026. Airlines are therefore looking for ways to deal with higher costs while maintaining enough flights to remain competitive.
For travelers, the situation means fewer flight options and higher prices. However, airlines have responded differently. Some have introduced surcharges or significantly reduced capacity, while others, such as easyJet, have decided not to introduce additional fuel surcharges for summer 2026 bookings.
The crisis demonstrates how quickly a disruption in one part of the global energy market can spill over into other industries. For airlines and passengers alike, fuel prices have become one of the most important factors shaping the cost and availability of air travel.
Phrasal Verbs
1. Cut back on
Definition: To reduce the amount of something, especially spending, activity, or production.
Examples:
Many airlines have had to cut back on the number of flights they operate.
I'm trying to cut back on unnecessary spending this year.
The company cut back on advertising after its profits declined.
Discussion questions:
What expenses could you cut back on if you needed to save money?
Should airlines cut back on flights when fuel prices become extremely high?
Have you ever had to cut back on something you enjoyed because it became too expensive?
2. Spread to
Definition: To move or extend from one place, group, or area to another.
Examples:
The economic crisis quickly spread to other countries.
The problem eventually spread to several departments within the company.
The technology has spread to almost every part of the world.
Discussion questions:
Why do economic problems sometimes spread to other countries?
How can a problem in one industry spread to other industries?
Can you think of a recent trend that has spread to many countries?
3. Pass on
Definition: To transfer something, especially a cost, responsibility, or information, to another person.
Examples:
Airlines often pass on higher operating costs to passengers.
The company decided to pass on the additional expense to its customers.
Parents sometimes pass on their values and traditions to their children.
Discussion questions:
Is it fair for businesses to pass on higher costs to customers?
When prices rise, which costs do companies usually pass on to consumers?
Can businesses survive without passing on some increases in their expenses?
4. Deal with
Definition: To take action to solve, manage, or cope with a problem or difficult situation.
Examples:
Airlines need to find new ways to deal with rising fuel costs.
How do you usually deal with stressful situations?
The government is trying to deal with the country's housing shortage.
Discussion questions:
How should airlines deal with unpredictable fuel prices?
What is the best way to deal with a sudden financial problem?
What kinds of problems are particularly difficult to deal with?
5. Spill over into
Definition: When the effects of a situation extend into another area or affect something else.
Examples:
The conflict spilled over into neighboring countries.
Problems at work can sometimes spill over into your personal life.
Higher energy prices can spill over into the cost of food and transportation.
Discussion questions:
How can problems in the energy industry spill over into everyday life?
Can stress at work spill over into someone's relationships?
What other problems could spill over into the airline industry?
Additional C1 Discussion Questions
Why are airlines particularly vulnerable to sudden increases in fuel prices?
Should airlines raise ticket prices when their operating costs increase, or should they absorb the additional costs?
How could higher fuel prices affect tourism?
What other industries could be seriously affected if oil prices remained extremely high for several years?
Do you think people would change their travel habits if international flights became significantly more expensive?
How might airlines reduce their dependence on fossil fuels?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of reducing the number of flights an airline operates?
How could a crisis in one part of the world spill over into the global economy?
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