Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights

The reduction in service primarily targets less profitable routes across Europe as the company prepares for a potential long-term energy crisis.

Aviation experts warn that other major carriers including Air Canada and WestJet are also consolidating their schedules in response to the Middle East conflict.

The European Union has warned that summer holiday travel is 'very likely' to be disrupted as fuel stocks run low in some regions.

This unprecedented crisis has seen jet fuel prices more than double in some markets since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.