The ongoing conflict in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran has resulted in a recent spike in fuel prices.
Several major airlines have already responded to this spike by increasing fares, adding or increasing fuel surcharges, and cutting flights.
UK airline Skybus announced last week it had ceased all flights between Cornwall and London due to “the huge rise in the global cost of fuel” and “a significant drop in new passenger bookings”.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary also warned Brits to book their summer holidays “as quickly as you can” to avoid rising costs, due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
More major airlines cut flights and increase prices amid rising fuel costs
Three more major airlines have now cut flights and increased prices due to the rising cost of fuel caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East:
Air India
Air India this week announced it was increasing its fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights.
These revised fees came into effect for UK flights on Friday (April 10), although the airline assured passengers who have already booked tickets will be unaffected by the change.
Air India said: “For the avoidance of doubt, tickets that have already been issued prior to the above times will not attract the new surcharge unless customers seek date or itinerary changes that require a recalculation of the fare.
“Air India will review its surcharges periodically and make appropriate adjustments as the situation requires.”
Air India announced this week it was increasing its fuel surcharge. (Image: Getty Images)
Air India usually operates more than 60 weekly flights between India and the UK, connecting cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Amritsar to London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and Birmingham.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has been forced to cancel more flights due to the conflict in the Middle East, with routes in and out of Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch impacted, according to the BBC .
Airlines cut flights and hike fares as fuel prices surge https://t.co/p1uad5gOHk
— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) April 7, 2026
These flight cancellations follow several others made by the airline last month.
However, Air New Zealand said earlier this week that the “vast majority” of its customers affected by the cancellations were being offered alternative flights on the same day.
An airline spokesperson, via the BBC, said: “Like airlines globally, we’re experiencing jet fuel prices that are more than double what they would usually be.”
Air New Zealand serves the UK through a combination of codeshare partner flights and booking options from Heathrow and Manchester.
It works with partner airlines, including Singapore Airlines, British Airways, and United Airlines, to connect passengers via major hubs.
Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines also announced this week that it was cutting back the number of seats on its flights due to the rising fuel costs, The Independent reported.
The Airline, which operates numerous daily nonstop flights from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), and Edinburgh (EDI) to various US destinations, has already increased the price of its checked bag fee by US$10 (£7.45).
Now, reduced seat numbers on Delta flights could result in airfare prices rising.
The 3 airlines that have entered liquidation or administration in 2026 (so far)
Several airlines entered liquidation in 2025, according to the UK Civil Aviation Authority , including:
- Blue Islands Limited (UK) – November
- Air Kilroe Limited t/a Eastern Airways (UK) – November
- Play Airlines (Iceland) – September
Three airlines have entered administration or liquidation in 2026 (so far), resulting in the cancellation of more than 4,000 flights:
Meanwhile, fellow chartered carrier Legend Airlines (Romania) has reportedly shut down.
The Street reported the airline has “officially gone dormant” after retiring two of its A340 planes.
UK travel companies that have closed in 2026 (so far)
Four UK travel companies have also ceased trading in 2026, resulting in the cancellation of flights and holiday packages to destinations around the world.
The four UK travel companies that have closed down in 2026 (so far) are:
- Regen Central Ltd
- Gold Crest Holidays
- Asiara UK Ltd
- Simply Florida Travel Ltd
All four have ceased trading, according to Companies House, and have lost their Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL).
Have you been impacted by the recent flight cancellations or airfare price hikes caused by increased fuel prices? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
