Flight cancellations rise as jet fuel costs surge; here's what travelers need to know

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Airlines worldwide are canceling flights as Middle East tensions strain jet fuel supplies and drive up prices, prompting travelers to navigate a complex web of passenger protections that vary significantly depending on their destination, according to reporting from LEX 18 News.

The disruptions arrive as summer travel demand ramps up, with major events expected to strain airport capacity further. "These pressures are arriving at a time when summer travel demand is ramping up, with major events such as the World Cup expected to put additional strain on airports," said Eric Napoli, chief legal officer at AirHelp, a company advocating for passenger rights.

Unlike weather-related cancellations, fuel-driven cuts are often announced days or weeks in advance. Lufthansa Group, for example, announced it is cutting 20,000 short-haul flights through October, giving passengers more time to adjust plans.

If your flight is canceled, experts recommend checking your airline's app or website immediately for rebooking options. U.S. carriers typically offer faster digital rebooking than international carriers. Airlines must provide either a refund or rebooking on the next available flight, though specific rules vary by country.

In the U.S., if you choose not to travel after a cancellation, airlines must refund you regardless of the reason for cancellation, though they may offer travel credits instead. The European Union and United Kingdom maintain some of the strongest protections, including compensation in certain cases that apply to any flight departing from an EU airport, regardless of airline.

Travelers should document everything — boarding passes, receipts, cancellation notices and airline communications — and request written confirmation of flight disruptions. Experts advise against accepting the first alternative flight offered without checking other options, as alternative routes or nearby airports may provide faster solutions.

Additional preparation steps include booking flights earlier in the day to maximize rebooking options, setting up flight alerts through tracking apps, and considering nearby airports as backup options. When contacting airlines, remaining calm and respectful may increase willingness to help resolve issues.

"While airlines are citing fuel shortages as a reason for upcoming cancellations, travelers need to know that this does not automatically waive their rights," Napoli said.