Home / Business and Economy / Turkish Airlines Grounds 23 Cities Amidst Fuel Crisis
Turkish Airlines Grounds 23 Cities Amidst Fuel Crisis
29 Apr
Summary
- Rising jet fuel costs and supply issues are the primary reasons for flight suspensions.
- Twenty-three cities are impacted, with suspensions ranging from temporary to indefinite.
- Most African passenger network cuts occurred via multi-stop routes to save costs.
Turkish Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to 23 cities due to significant increases in jet fuel costs and supply disruptions, compounded by the ongoing conflict in Iran. These route suspensions are a strategic measure to manage escalating operational expenses.
Flights to five Iranian cities are fully halted due to current airspace restrictions, impacting a historically crucial market for the airline. Additionally, approximately 20% of Turkish Airlines' African passenger network has been paused, affecting multi-stop routes primarily in sub-Saharan Africa designed for cost efficiency and reduced fuel consumption.
The airline has also halted flights to five cities in Asia and the Middle East, including some recently established routes. Furthermore, flights to three other cities are impacted by higher fuel costs making them unprofitable. Some of these routes, like the one to Havana, Cuba, which previously linked with Caracas, are planned to potentially resume by October 24, 2026, operating three times weekly.
While many route suspensions are temporary, with some expected to resume between May and October 2026, others, like those in Africa, may not restart until March 2027. The situation is dynamic, and passengers with existing bookings are advised to monitor airline updates closely for potential cancellations or reschedulings.
