Thai Airways International, a major airline operating out of London Heathrow, is set to reduce its flight operations significantly due to escalating energy costs. The airline has notified ticket agents of its decision to cancel flights and decrease frequencies on both domestic and international routes across Asia and Europe in May 2026, impacting a total of 46 services.
This schedule adjustment comes in response to surging fuel prices worldwide following military actions related to the Iran war. The US and Israel have conducted joint strikes on key Iranian sites since the conflict began on February 28, resulting in temporary ceasefires but no lasting peace agreements.
In retaliation, Iran has targeted sites in the Middle East and disrupted the vital trade route of the Strait of Hormuz. The US has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports within the strait to reopen the passage and facilitate negotiations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil trade flows, has severely impacted oil markets, leading to increased fuel costs. Thai Airways attributed the flight reductions to higher oil expenses and reduced passenger demand during the off-peak tourism season, as reported by The Nation.
The airline has assured that alternative arrangements are in place to support affected agents and passengers. Several domestic and international routes have been either canceled or scaled back due to these operational adjustments.
