SAS Airlines Grounds Fleet Amidst Fuel Cost Crisis

Scandinavian airline SAS announced the cancellation of 1,000 flights in April due to high oil and jet fuel prices, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. SAS CEO Anko van der Werff highlighted the significant impact on the aviation industry, noting previous flight reductions in March.

Scandinavian airline SAS has revealed plans to cancel 1,000 flights in April, citing steep increases in oil and jet fuel prices. This surge is attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel in Iran, alongside the closure of the crucial Strait of Hormuz, Dagens Industri reported.

The war, now in its third week, has significantly disrupted global oil and gas flows, with about 20% of these resources typically passing through the strait. Efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump to secure assistance from allies for reopening the waterway have so far been unsuccessful.

In an interview with Dagens Industri, SAS CEO Anko van der Werff commented on the doubled jet fuel prices and emphasized the shock experienced by the aviation sector. Previous voluntary flight cancellations were made in March, as SAS managed increased costs with price hikes on fares.

(With inputs from agencies.)