European airlines are facing a crisis as the ongoing war in Iran has led to a dramatic increase in jet fuel prices, which have roughly doubled. This situation has forced airlines, particularly Lufthansa, to announce substantial flight cuts, with 20,000 flights being canceled through the fall. The airline industry in Europe, which imports about a third of its jet fuel from the Middle East, is bracing for further cuts as the conflict continues. Rico Luman, a senior economist at ING Research, indicated that more airlines might follow suit if high fuel prices persist. The International Energy Agency's head, Fatih Birol, highlighted the severe energy security threat posed by the conflict, noting that Europe is facing potential fuel shortages and has only about six weeks of remaining jet fuel supplies. Efforts are underway to source fuel from the U.S. and Nigeria, but the closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical concern. The International Air Transport Association has called for coordinated plans in case fuel rationing becomes necessary, while U.S. airlines are also feeling the impact but have not yet announced cuts on the same scale as their European counterparts. Travelers in Europe can expect fewer flight options during the peak summer season as airlines navigate this challenging landscape.