Smartwings adjusts winter flight schedule amid rising fuel costs

Smartwings is adjusting its winter flight schedule due to rising aviation fuel costs and market uncertainty. The airline has reduced flight frequencies to certain destinations and postponed services to Bergen and Venice until March of next year, despite original plans to begin these routes from Prague on October 22.

According to airline spokesperson Vladimíra Dufková, the volatility in oil prices, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, has forced carriers worldwide to revise capacities and cancel unprofitable routes. Data from Eurocontrol indicates that aviation fuel prices in Europe have more than doubled since early this year, rising from approximately $2.26 per gallon in January and February to $4.58 per gallon by September 11.

Travel agencies, including DER Touristik CZ and Blue Style, have reported that they have not yet experienced sudden cancellations of agreed-upon charter flights, as these are contracted in advance. However, representatives noted that cancellations could theoretically affect individual tours, though agencies aim to find alternative solutions for clients in such cases.