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Airline CEO warns of more flight cancellations over Iran jet fuel crisis

Norse Atlantic Airways CEO Eivind Roald has warned that rival airlines may face further flight cancellations in the coming weeks, as the Iran jet fuel crisis drives airline fuel surcharges and disrupts global air travel

[Empty airport seats next to a boarding gate. A plane on the background taking off.]

More flights could be cancelled this summer (stock)(Image: LeoPatrizi via Getty Images)

An airline chief who scrapped flights from London Gatwick has cautioned that other carriers may be plotting additional cancellations, as the ongoing crisis in Iran continues to stoke the worldwide energy emergency.

The aviation boss revealed that fuel expenses had soared by more than 100% within just days, prompting the choice to axe services.

Eivind Roald, CEO of Norse Atlantic Airways, explained that the conflict has triggered tough internal talks with hard choices being taken.

Speaking to BBC Newsnight, he said: "From our side we will continue flying from London Gatwick, and from Athens and Rome this summer, we don't have any plans to cancel more flights. When it comes to our competitors, I can't really say, I assume you will see more cancellations coming, we often see it coming in short-haul flights in Europe. The long-haul flights are still there."

[Aircraft At Los Angeles International Airport]

The fuel crisis due to the Iran conflict has caused chaos for airlines and travellers (stock)(Image: Getty)

Currently, British Airways owner IAG, Easyjet and Jet2 holidays have no intentions to alter their flight timetables.

Roald expressed optimism that jet fuel prices will drop over the coming six to nine months.

"What we will see is a consolidation in the industry. We think that you will see that things will be changed, some of the companies' existence," he said.

Since the outbreak of Trump's conflict in Iran, which commenced when the US and Israel launched strikes against the nation in February, travellers have witnessed airfare costs soar.

This follows Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial pathway for jet fuel from the Arabian Gulf, during the escalating hostilities, reports the Express.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued alerts that Europe could face potential jet fuel shortages within six weeks. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has subsequently cautioned passengers to brace for cancellations throughout this year.

[Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is landing at MXP Milano Malpensa international airport]

The Norse boss is hopeful prices will come down this year(Image: Getty)

Britain has now ramped up its jet fuel imports from regions beyond the Middle East, with no conclusion to the conflict on the horizon.

Aviation expert Sally Gethin previously told the Daily Mail: "Even if it opens you'd still need time for the jet fuel supplies to start up again.

"So the best-case scenario would be fares going up and some routes being cancelled.

"The worst-case scenario is if this carries on for six to eight weeks and the shortages start really biting. This could pose an existential crisis to airlines - even if they slap on fuel surcharges, they still won't recoup the cost.

"You could be looking at tens of thousands, potentially hundreds of thousands, of flights being cancelled globally," she added. "It could affect holiday companies as well, although consumers will be protected if their trips are covered by ATOL."

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