[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Airlines, particularly low-cost carriers (LCCs), are scaling back operations to cope with rising costs as global jet fuel prices surge בעקבות escalating conflict in the Middle East.
According to industry sources on March 25, Air Premia announced the suspension of 26 flights on its Incheon–Los Angeles route between April 20 and May 31. During this period, the airline will operate 62 flights instead of the originally scheduled 88, marking a reduction of approximately 30%.
Passengers affected by the cancellations will be eligible to change their travel dates once within seven days free of charge or receive a full refund without cancellation fees.
Air Premia had previously announced the cancellation of six flights on its Incheon–Honolulu route on March 23. Additional suspensions may follow on other U.S. routes, including San Francisco and New York.
Following the spike in jet fuel prices after the Middle East conflict, several Korean LCCs—including Air Busan and Aero K—have already reduced international flight operations between April and June.
LCCs, which have less capacity to absorb fuel cost increases compared to full-service carriers, are leading the cutbacks.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average jet fuel price rose 12.6% week-on-week to $197 per barrel during March 14–20, and more than doubled—up 105.8%—compared to the previous month’s average.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
