SAS Cancels 1,000 Flights in April: How Rising Fuel Prices Will Affect Travel

The European airline SAS is canceling flights due to a sharp rise in fuel prices. Find out how many flights will be canceled, how this will affect ticket prices, and what passengers should do

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The European airline Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has been forced to cut some of its flights due to a sharp rise in jet fuel prices. In April, the carrier plans to cancel at least 1,000 flights, which could affect the travel plans of thousands of passengers. This was reported by The Independent, citing a statement from the company’s management.

Why is SAS canceling flights?

The situation in the fuel market is the reason for the changes. According to SAS CEO Anko van der Werff, the price of jet fuel doubled in just 10 days amid the conflict in the Middle East. This has put significant financial pressure on the airline.

“We are canceling several hundred flights in March, but we are trying to maintain passenger traffic as much as possible. After Easter, we will see more canceled flights,” he noted. According to him, April will be the peak month for cancellations.

How many flights will be canceled, and how will this affect passengers?

In April, SAS plans to cancel at least 1,000 flights. At the same time, the company emphasizes that this is only a fraction of the total volume—currently, the carrier operates over 5,000 flights per week. In other words, despite the cuts, most flights will remain on the schedule.

Passengers whose flights have been canceled have already been notified of the changes. According to company spokesperson Alexandra Lindgren Kaukji, customers have been offered rebooking options for other flights and alternative travel arrangements.

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How much have ticket prices gone up?

In addition to flight cancellations, the airline is already raising ticket prices. Specifically:

● the average cost of a flight will increase by approximately 500 Swedish kronor (about $53);

● transatlantic flights will become about 2,700 kronor more expensive (nearly $290).

The company does not rule out further price increases if the situation on the fuel market does not stabilize.

Flight reductions and price hikes may affect the availability of flights in Europe, especially during the spring travel season and ahead of the summer season. This means passengers should plan their trips in advance, check flight status before departure, and consider alternative routes.

Additionally, when traveling abroad, it is important to have medical insurance, as costs can rise in the event of flight cancellations or delays. You can purchase a policy through Visit Ukraine—this helps avoid unexpected expenses during your trip and feel more confident while abroad.

Are further cancellations possible?

SAS explicitly states: if fuel prices remain high, the company will be forced to continue reducing flights and revising its fare policy. Thus, the situation remains fluid, and schedule changes may continue.

We remind you! Due to the conflict in the Middle East, international airlines are changing flight routes and concentrating flights in narrow air corridors. Read how the closure of airspace affects flight durations, global aviation, and routes between Europe and Asia.

Photo: rawpixel / Freepik

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