A major London Heathrow airline is set to reduce its flight operations significantly due to escalating energy costs.
Thai Airways International has informed ticket agents that it will be cutting back on flights, both domestic and international, across Asia and Europe in May 2026. A total of 46 flights will be affected by this decision.
The airline’s decision to reduce flight frequencies comes in response to the surge in fuel prices worldwide caused by the Iran war. Recent joint strikes by the US and Israel on key Iranian sites have further escalated tensions since the conflict began on February 28. Although a temporary ceasefire is in place, a lasting peace agreement has not been achieved.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted sites across the Middle East and closed the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, the US has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait to reopen the route and facilitate negotiations.
The closure of the critical trade route, through which about 20% of global oil is transported, has led to disruptions in global oil markets and subsequent increases in fuel prices.
Thai Airways attributed the reduction in flight services to the combination of higher oil prices and decreased passenger demand during the off-peak tourism season, as reported by The Nation.
The airline has made alternative arrangements to support affected agents and passengers during this period.
Several domestic and international routes have been either canceled or reduced as part of this operational adjustment.
