Air Transat Cuts Capacity 6% on Fuel Price Surge

Montreal-based airline Air Transat announced on April 22, 2026, that it will reduce its flight capacity by six percent from May through October due to surging jet fuel prices triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The changes, affecting the peak summer travel season, include an extended suspension of service to Cuba and reduced frequencies on select routes to Europe and the Caribbean.

The airline, a subsidiary of Transat A.T. Inc., cited volatility in energy markets and regional fuel supply constraints as the primary drivers. About two-thirds of the reductions stem from the prolonged halt of flights to Cuba, where jet fuel shortages have persisted since February. Air Transat has already cancelled around 750 flights to four Cuban destinations during that period and will now extend the suspension through October, scrapping an additional 129 planned trips from late June onward. Officials described the situation in Cuba as stemming from broader energy disruptions, including a reported U.S. blockade affecting supplies.

"The recent volatility in aviation fuel prices reflects an exceptional environment affecting the entire sector," said Annick Guérard, president and...