Air Canada Suspends Summer Flights to New York's JFK

Airline cites surging jet fuel prices due to Iran conflict as reason for service cuts

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:27am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image of a single, polished metal fuel nozzle resting on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the abstract corporate challenges of managing volatile fuel prices in the aviation industry.The global aviation industry faces an unprecedented fuel price crisis as the conflict in Iran disrupts jet fuel supplies.NYC Today

Air Canada announced it will suspend all flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York's JFK International Airport over the summer months, citing a doubling in jet fuel prices since the start of the Iran conflict. The airline said some lower-profitability routes have become uneconomical due to the fuel price surge. Service to other New York-area airports like LaGuardia and Newark will continue.

Why it matters

The suspension of Air Canada's JFK service highlights the significant impact that the ongoing conflict in Iran is having on the global aviation industry. Skyrocketing jet fuel costs are forcing airlines to make difficult operational decisions, with some routes becoming unprofitable. This could lead to reduced flight options and higher fares for travelers.

The details

Air Canada said the average price for a gallon of jet fuel reached $4.32 on Thursday, up from $2.50 before the war in Iran broke out. As a result, the airline is suspending its service from Toronto and Montreal to JFK International Airport from June 1 to October 25. However, flights to the New York metro area's other airports, LaGuardia and Newark, will continue operating.

  • Air Canada will suspend JFK service from June 1 to October 25, 2026.
  • The average price for a gallon of jet fuel reached $4.32 on Thursday, April 18, 2026.

The players

Air Canada

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

JFK International Airport

One of the major airports serving the New York City metropolitan area, located in Queens, New York.

Fatih Birol

Director of the International Energy Agency, who warned that Europe has 'maybe six weeks' of remaining jet fuel supplies.

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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

“Europe has 'maybe six weeks' of remaining jet fuel supplies and the global economy faces its 'largest energy crisis.'”

— Fatih Birol, Director, International Energy Agency

What’s next

Airlines will continue to monitor jet fuel prices and may need to make further adjustments to their flight schedules if the Iran conflict and resulting supply issues persist.

The takeaway

The suspension of Air Canada's JFK service is a stark reminder of the cascading economic impacts of geopolitical conflicts. As airlines grapple with skyrocketing fuel costs, travelers may face reduced flight options and higher fares, underscoring the need for the aviation industry to adapt to volatile energy markets.