Qantas extends capacity cuts into 2026-27 amid fuel surge

Qantas Group has prolonged network reductions through 2026-27, redirecting jets to high-demand Europe routes as Middle East tensions drive jet fuel toward record highs.

Jetstar and Qantas will hold domestic capacity 5% below plan until late September, trimming capital city shuttles to offset costs.

Internationally, Sydney-Bengaluru pauses August to October, trans-Tasman shrinks, and Q1 2026-27 ASK falls 2%. Perth-Rome gains extensions to October, Paris via Singapore persists - yielding 2,000 extra weekly seats on buoyant Europe paths.

This builds on April's aggressive response: H2 FY26 fuel now $3.1-3.3B (up $600-800m), prompting regional suspensions (e.g., Adelaide-Mt Gambier) and fare rises.

March previews shifted US/domestic capacity Europeward, dodging conflict risks.

Management assures May fuel supply but flags more tweaks if oil volatility endures, prioritizing profitability amid 40% coverage gap wait—no, wait, that's retirement. Prioritizing resilience.