Europe’s smaller airports ‘under threat’ if fuel shortages cause many cancellations
Europe's smaller airports face an existential threat if jet fuel shortages and high prices lead to widespread flight cancellations, according to the Airports Council of Europe, as regional carriers struggle with cost pressures and reduced demand. The ongoing Middle East crisis has doubled jet fuel prices, prompting airlines like Lufthansa to cancel thousands of regional flights. Smaller airports, still recovering from the pandemic, are especially vulnerable due to price-sensitive demand and added strain from the EU's new entry-exit system. Industry leaders warn of potential airline failures by autumn, particularly for those with weak financial resilience.
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Lufthansa axed 20,000 summer flights operated by its regional subsidiary, CityLine. Photograph: Alexandra Beier/AFP/Getty ImagesView image in fullscreenLufthansa axed 20,000 summer flights operated by its regional subsidiary, CityLine. Photograph: Alexandra Beier/AFP/Getty ImagesAirline industryEurope’s smaller airports ‘under threat’ if fuel shortages cause many cancellationsHigh fuel prices and passenger delays as result of EU’s EES entry-exit system leading to problems, says trade body Business live – latest updates Gwyn Topham Transport correspondentTue 28 Apr 2026 09.30 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 10.39 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleEurope’s smaller airports may not survive if jet fuel shortages triggered by the Middle East crisis lead to widespread route…
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