The ongoing 2026 Iran war is completely upending global travel. Middle Eastern aviation hubs remain closed. Supply chains are choked. Global jet fuel costs more than doubled. That geopolitical crisis just landed straight in your summer travel itinerary.
Air New Zealand confirmed Tuesday they are officially slashing 4% of total scheduled flights across May and June. They are also hiking passenger fares. This sudden operational shift impacts roughly 1% of all passengers booked during that two-month window. If you have a ticket, check your inbox. Customer notifications began rolling out at 2100 GMT on Monday. The airline expects to finish contacting affected travelers by the end of the week according to a detailed report released Tuesday.
This is becoming a frustrating pattern for anyone trying to fly. The flag carrier already axed roughly 1,100 flights just weeks into the conflict in mid-March. That initial 5% reduction scrambled plans for 44,000 passengers. It all comes down to fuel. International Air Transport Association data showed average jet fuel prices spiking to $195.19 per barrel by late March.
The financial bleeding is industry-wide as airlines navigate the regional airspace crisis. Air India enacted a heavily revised fuel surcharge structure on Tuesday to combat those exact same soaring fuel costs. They implemented distance-based domestic fees. They also slapped up to $280 in new surcharges on long-haul international routes to North America and Australia.
Flying is simply going to cost more this summer. Airlines cannot absorb these massive fuel spikes. You should expect fewer direct routes and higher out-of-pocket costs at checkout. Double-check your flight status before heading to the airport. Look at flexible booking options if you plan to fly internationally while these supply chain issues persist.