The Association of German Airports (ADV) has issued a grim forecast: millions of flights could be cancelled and ticket prices may soar, all because jet fuel is getting harder to find and more expensive. Ralph Beisel, ADV's chief executive, shared the cheery news with Germany's Welt newspaper, warning that low-cost airlines and less-touristy destinations will bear the brunt. "We fear further flights will be cancelled, particularly by low-cost airlines and to destinations of lesser importance to tourism," Beisel said.
For 2026, the best-case scenario sees passenger numbers flatlining. The worst case? A 10% drop in capacity across some airports, which Beisel calculates would affect 20 million passengers. That means some destinations could vanish from flight schedules entirely, while others see fewer, pricier options. The culprit? The war in Iran, which has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, driving up jet fuel costs. "Kerosene prices have been twice as high as before the war for more than two months," Beisel noted, adding that airlines won't be able to operate many flights profitably at these prices, even if fuel is available. So pack your patience - and maybe a bigger wallet.