Air Canada suspends JFK flights for 5 months as fuel costs soar

Carrier cites jet fuel price surge due to Iran conflict as reason for service cuts

Apr. 17, 2026 at 6:52pm

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Air Canada announced it will suspend flights to New York's JFK International Airport for nearly 5 months starting June 1, as jet fuel prices have more than doubled since the start of the Iran conflict, making certain routes no longer economical. The airline will continue service to the New York area's other airports, LaGuardia and Newark, but says the JFK suspension will last until October 25.

Why it matters

The suspension of Air Canada's JFK service highlights the significant impact that soaring jet fuel prices, driven by the ongoing conflict in Iran, are having on the airline industry. With fuel and labor costs typically the largest annual expenses for airlines, these price spikes are forcing carriers to make difficult operational decisions and pass along higher costs to consumers.

The details

Air Canada cited the doubling of jet fuel prices since the start of the Iran conflict as the primary reason for suspending its flights to JFK. The average price for a gallon of jet fuel reached $4.32 on Thursday, up from $2.50 the day before the war in Iran broke out. While oil prices dropped more than 10% on Friday after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is open again, the global energy crisis is expected to continue impacting airlines' bottom lines.

  • Air Canada will suspend service from Toronto and Montreal to JFK on June 1, 2026.
  • Air Canada's JFK service will resume on October 25, 2026.

The players

Air Canada

Canada's national airline and flag carrier, headquartered in Montreal.

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What they’re saying

“As jet fuel prices have doubled since the start of the Iran conflict and some lower profitability routes and flights are no longer economic, and we are making schedule adjustments accordingly.”

— Air Canada Spokesman

What’s next

Analysts will be closely watching to see if other major airlines follow Air Canada's lead and suspend service to certain airports or routes as they grapple with the impact of soaring jet fuel prices.

The takeaway

The suspension of Air Canada's JFK service underscores the significant financial pressures airlines are facing due to the global energy crisis sparked by the conflict in Iran. As carriers struggle to offset these rising fuel costs, travelers can expect to see more service cuts, higher fares, and additional fees in the coming months.