European airports see sharp rise in delays as fuel cost crisis deepens

A soaring fuel price crisis is hitting European airlines, leading to a notable increase in flight delays and cancellations this summer. An analysis of 18 major airports between late February and mid‑May shows that Spain’s Alicante‑Elche airport has the highest rate of delayed departures at 11.73 %, followed by Palma de Mallorca (7.60 %) and Portugal’s Lisbon (6.74 %). Madrid, London Heathrow and Milan Malpensa also recorded elevated disruption levels.

Conversely, Scandinavian hubs such as Stockholm Arlanda, Warsaw Chopin and Helsinki‑Vantaa ranked among the least affected, with just over 1 % of flights delayed and fewer than 1 % cancelled. The report links the surge in disruptions to the ongoing fuel shortage and higher fuel prices, which have already forced airlines to tighten schedules.

The European Commission has reminded carriers that they cannot invoke force majeure for the fuel crisis, meaning passengers are still entitled to compensation for cancelled flights. Travelers are advised to favour direct routes, avoid short connections and allow extra time for potential delays, especially when flying to popular Mediterranean destinations.