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In
a statement, American said it had adjusted service for “select
routes” in August and September — and that impacted travelers
would be offered alternative arrangements or refunds. The
Texas-based airline cited elevated fuel costs, and maintained
that these changes were in line with wider industry trends.
American also said that it was not cutting any of its routes
indefinitely and that it was proud to “offer an industry-leading
network with more flights than any other U.S. airline.”
Still, the summer suspensions could cause more headaches for
travelers already facing fewer flights options and higher price
tags across their budgets. Airlines around the world have
canceled numerous flights or similarly trimmed schedules through
the coming months — and many have are also hiking fees or
cutting other perks in efforts to save money.
That's because the cost of jet fuel — which can account for
about 30% of airlines' total expenses — has soared during the
war. A barrel averaged at nearly $142 last week, according to
the International Air Transport Association. That's down from an
April peak, but still far higher than the $99 jet fuel was going
for per barrel before the U.S. and Israel launched the war with
attacks on Iran in late February.
Most traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the
world's flow of oil, has remained at an effective halt over the
last three months. Prices have cooled some recently as markets
hope for an eventual reopening the passage, but the U.S. and
Iran have yet to actually reach a concrete agreement. And the
longer traffic stays stalled, the worse the energy crisis could
get.
Consumers aren't only feeling the squeeze in air travel.
Gasoline, food and other everyday essentials are also being hit
by these supply shocks.
American Airlines did not immediately respond to The Associated
Press' requests for further information about which flights
would be suspended in August and September. But other outlets
reported six routes would be affected — largely from Los
Angeles, among other destinations in North America.
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