Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire and Transport Minister Patrice Vergriete summoned airline CEOs on 6 May to discuss contingency plans amid rising flight cancellations linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and soaring kerosene prices. Carriers such as Transavia and Lufthansa have already trimmed May–June schedules, sparking fears of a chaotic tourist season. Travel analysts, however, downplayed worst-case scenarios. Consultancy Sia Partners told RMC that France’s strategic fuel reserves should cover demand through September, while the International Air Transport Association says Europe overall has buffer stock until at least end-May. Because July–August flights are historically profitable, airlines are incentivised to fly rather than cancel – even at higher fuel costs. For corporate-travel managers the message is mixed: near-term trips (May–June) face some volatility and higher fares, but the probability of mass cancellations in peak summer is “very low”. Contracting pre-paid fuel surcharges and maintaining flexible ticket conditions remain prudent steps. The government asked airlines to provide weekly updates on capacity adjustments and passenger-rights information. Additional measures, including temporary fuel-tax relief, have not been ruled out.
Source: The Local France
