The EU transport commissioner, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, stated that airlines must compensate passengers for flight cancellations caused by fuel shortages, as rising jet fuel prices do not constitute extraordinary circumstances. This ruling applies even post-Brexit in the UK, though the government has relaxed penalties for airlines in similar situations. Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, has hedged 80% of its fuel costs, allowing it to maintain its summer flight schedule, while other airlines like Germany's Lufthansa have canceled flights. The fuel crisis has been exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly following the US and Israel's actions against Iran, which have significantly impacted oil exports from the Middle East. AirAsia's CEO, Tony Fernandes, noted that the current fuel crisis is more severe than the COVID-19 pandemic, with fuel prices tripling. Despite these challenges, AirAsia has announced a $19 billion deal to purchase 150 Airbus A220-300 jets, marking the largest aircraft order in Canadian history and promising job security for workers in Northern Ireland.