Europe’s smaller airports ‘under threat’ if fuel shortages cause many cancellations
Europe's smaller airports are facing significant challenges due to potential jet fuel shortages linked to the Middle East crisis. The Airports Council of Europe has warned that these airports could be at risk of closure if airlines reduce capacity and increase fares. The situation is compounded by ongoing issues related to the EU's entry-exit system, which could further impact passenger traffic.
- ▪Lufthansa has canceled 20,000 summer flights operated by its regional subsidiary, CityLine.
- ▪The Airports Council of Europe stated that smaller regional airports are facing an existential threat due to rising jet fuel prices and potential cancellations.
- ▪Traffic at smaller airports is still 30% below 2019 levels, while larger airports have recovered.
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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 bodyGwyn Topham Transport correspondentTue 28 Apr 2026 09.30 EDTLast modified on Tue 28 Apr 2026 21.31 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 cancellations, the industry’s trade body has…
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