KLM Royal Dutch Airlines cancels 160 flights next month due to rising fuel costs

Royal Dutch Airlines KLM said Thursday it will cancel 160 flights within Europe next month due to rising fuel costs.

In a statement, KLM said it has made a “number of adjustments” to its flight schedule for the coming month.

"This concerns a limited number of flights within Europe that, due to rising kerosene costs, are currently no longer financially viable to operate," it noted.

The airline said there is no shortage of jet fuel and that the cancellations involve 80 fewer return flights to and from Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands, representing less than 1% of its European operations during that period.

The statement added that the carrier expects a busy May holiday travel period and is working to ensure passengers can reach their destinations as planned.

Rising tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran have increased operating costs for airlines globally, with several carriers recently announcing flight cancellations and schedule adjustments.