The Iran war has already wiped out 20,000 European flights this summer, but most passengers don’t know what they’re owed

The conflict between the US and Iran has triggered the cancellation of 20,000 flights across Europe, leaving travelers facing significant disruption to their summer plans. The volatility in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through the global travel industry since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran at the end of February. As reported by LADbible, the travel sector has been struggling to find its footing ever since.

The core issue is Iran’s decision to block the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane that handles a significant portion of the world’s daily oil supply. A last-minute ceasefire offered a brief moment of relief, but the lane was blocked again after an American naval blockade was initiated. This back and forth has caused fuel prices to soar, putting significant financial strain on airline carriers who are now cutting flights to avoid further losses.

Lufthansa is the most recent major airline to confirm it is grounding 20,000 short-haul flights through to October. The company stated these reductions will result in jet fuel savings of more than 40,000 metric tons, and noted that further cancellations will likely be announced by late April or early May. The airline added: “For the flights scheduled in the summer timetable, the Group expects a largely stable fuel supply. Lufthansa is pursuing a range of measures to this end, including the physical procurement of jet fuel as well as price hedging.”

The passenger rights situation is more complicated than most travelers realize

Other carriers are also under pressure. Aer Lingus recently cut around 500 flights, citing maintenance reasons, though this followed warnings from experts that Europe could face fuel shortages within weeks. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has also flagged uncertainty, noting the company is looking at the possibility of canceling 5 to 10 percent of flights through May, June, and July. With rising jet fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict, airlines across the continent are contending with costs that were unforeseeable even a few months ago.

Under UK law, passengers hold significant protections for flights departing from a UK airport on any airline, arriving at a UK airport on an EU or UK airline, or arriving at an EU airport on a UK airline. If a flight is cancelled, the airline must offer either a full refund for unused portions of the ticket or an alternative flight to the destination. The rules apply regardless of how the ticket was originally booked.

Beyond the ticket, airlines are required to provide care and assistance during any wait period. This includes food and drink, typically in the form of vouchers, as well as communication costs such as phone call reimbursements. If re-routing requires an overnight stay, the airline must cover hotel accommodation and transport to and from it. If the airline fails to arrange this directly, passengers can often book reasonable care themselves and claim the costs back, provided they retain receipts. Luxury hotels and alcohol are generally excluded from what carriers will cover.

Compensation entitlement becomes more specific depending on notice given. Passengers may be owed a fixed sum if they received less than 14 days’ notice, but claims are unlikely to succeed if the cancellation stems from extraordinary circumstances, as detailed by the Civil Aviation Authority. Amid broader political pressure over war-related fuel prices affecting consumers, it remains unclear how regulators will treat mass cancellations tied to the conflict. Claims should always be directed to the operating airline, even when the booking was made through a third party, and passengers should keep clear records of booking references, correspondence, and any costs incurred.