Not what we want to hear – QANTAS, Australia’s largest airline has suspended air routes as Iran war sends jet fuel costs soaring.

Australia’s largest airline has cut domestic capacity and suspended four routes amid a fuel cost blowout. This is in response to the Iran conflict. The cuts hit both the QANTAS mainline and budget subsidiary Jetstar, with four routes temporarily suspended and frequency reductions rolling across the broader network.

Which routes are affected?

The four routes suspended for now from 18 May:

Qantas:

• Melbourne–Hamilton Island: suspended 18 May to 28 June
• Melbourne–Coffs Harbour: suspended 18 May to 14 June

Jetstar:

• Sydney–Busselton: suspended 18 May to 22 September
• Darwin–Gold Coast: suspended 18 May to 12 October

One route is gone indefinitely

Qantas has indefinitely suspended its Adelaide to Mount Gambier service. Mount Gambier residents won’t be stranded though – the route continues to be serviced by Rex Airlines. 

Why is this happening?

There is only one reason flight routes are being suspended, the increase in jet fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

What if you’re already booked?

If you have a ticket on one of the suspended routes, customers are being offered refunds or alternative flights. Contact QANTAS or Jetstar directly to discuss.

What if you want to book a flight?

This is a tricky question. Some people are delaying travel while other’s are not. There are still plenty of planes in the air, you will just be paying more for the experience.

Are more cuts coming?

For now, QANTAS is keeping a close eye on the situation given ongoing uncertainty in the global fuel supply chains. We all will wait and see whether QANTAS reduces flights and raises fares.