Spanish airline Volotea cancels flights in France amid soaring fuel costs

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Spanish low-cost airline Volotea has canceled more than 10% of its winter flight capacity in France amid soaring jet fuel prices and mounting financial pressures, leaving passengers scrambling for alternatives, according to a report Monday.

The carrier, which operates many domestic routes in France and connects medium-sized European cities, is struggling with rising kerosene costs and €250-300 million ($280-336 million) of debt accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, BFMTV reported.

Consumer association UFC Que Choisir criticized the airline's handling of cancellations, citing passenger complaints about delayed refunds and inadequate assistance with alternative travel arrangements.

Under EU regulations, airlines must offer passengers either refunds within seven days or alternative transportation when flights are canceled.

Volotea said refunds were being processed within seven days, while reimbursement requests for alternative travel expenses would be assessed individually.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, the airline has eliminated over 10% of its capacity between November and February.

Bordeaux has reportedly experienced the sharpest reductions, with cancellations reaching 35% year-on-year.

Volotea also plans to reduce its fleet from 44 aircraft to approximately 30-35, focusing on larger planes to improve revenue per seat.

Beyza Binnur Dönmez