Stockholm: Scandinavian Airlines (AAS) is set to cancel at least 1,000 flights in April as soaring jet fuel prices, exacerbated by the conflict in Iran, continue to pressure operating costs. CEO Anko van der Werff disclosed this development to Swedish business daily Dagens Industri. According to Anadolu Agency, the airline has already initiated the cancellation of several hundred flights in March and anticipates more comprehensive cancellations after Easter, when demand typically declines. Van der Werff noted that while the reductions are significant, they are not drastic in the context of SAS's operation of approximately 800 flights daily. The CEO highlighted that the sharp increase in oil prices has raised costs by over 500 Swedish kronor ($53.8) per average flight, with transatlantic routes costing around 2,700 kronor ($290.6) more to operate. Jet fuel prices doubled within 10 days, creating an immediate financial strain on airlines. According to the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) rece nt fuel price monitor, global average jet fuel prices have surged by 82.8% over the past month, reaching $175 per barrel. This significant rise has intensified cost pressures on airlines, with fuel comprising about 25% to 30% of flight costs. SAS's ability to absorb these increases is limited, particularly because a large portion of Europe's jet fuel is sourced from Gulf producers. Van der Werff indicated that routes with multiple daily flights would likely see the most reductions, as frequency can be more easily adjusted. SAS has already suspended flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut and may delay the launch of a new direct route between Copenhagen and Dubai, initially planned for October. The airline has introduced a fuel surcharge to adjust ticket prices, although existing bookings will not incur retroactive increases. However, passengers planning to book summer travel may face higher fares if the current crisis persists. Van der Werff expressed hope that the situation would stabilize by May or June but warne d of broader economic impacts if the conflict continues. He also noted that rising oil prices could elevate supplier costs throughout the aviation sector and that some suppliers in the Middle East might need to prioritize staff evacuations, leading to potential disruptions beyond the conflict's immediate timeline. Drawing on his extensive experience in the aerospace industry, van der Werff advised companies to prepare for a prolonged period of instability instead of anticipating a quick return to normalcy.