A significant airline operating from London Heathrow is set to reduce its flight operations due to mounting energy pressures. Thai Airways International has informed ticket agents of its decision to cancel flights and decrease frequencies on both domestic and international routes across Asia and Europe in May 2026, affecting a total of 46 services.
This schedule adjustment coincides with the surge in fuel prices globally following the conflict in Iran. The US and Israel conducted joint strikes on key Iranian sites since the conflict began on February 28. Despite a temporary ceasefire, a long-term peace agreement has yet to be reached.
In response, Iran retaliated by targeting sites across the Middle East and obstructing the critical trade route of the Strait of Hormuz. The US has initiated a blockade on Iranian ports in the strait to reopen the passage and exert pressure for negotiations.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s traded oil flows, has significantly impacted global oil markets, leading to a spike in fuel prices. Thai Airways attributed the reduction in flights to higher oil expenses and decreased passenger demand during the off-peak tourism season, as reported by The Nation.
The airline has made alternative arrangements to support both agents and passengers affected by these changes. Several domestic and international routes have been either canceled or scaled back due to these developments.