Pegasus Airlines has cancelled its flights to Kutaisi, Georgia, in June as well due to rising fuel costs. The company’s operations to Tbilisi and Batumi continue.
Pegasus Airlines has once again decided to suspend its operations at Kutaisi International Airport in Georgia. In a statement made by GASA, the company’s sales agency in Georgia, it was announced that all Kutaisi flights scheduled for June had been cancelled.
Behind the decision are the rising aviation fuel costs that have recently been putting pressure on the global aviation industry.
June flights cancelled following May suspensions
GASA had previously announced that Pegasus Airlines had also cancelled its planned Kutaisi flights for May. While the initial cancellations were said to be linked to fuel supply issues affecting operational processes, it was stated that the June decision was directly related to increasing cost pressures.
In a statement released by the company, it was said: “Pegasus Airlines’ Kutaisi flights scheduled for June will no longer be operated as part of an operational decision related to the increase in fuel prices.”
Low-cost carriers feel fuel pressure more intensely
In the aviation industry, fuel costs stand out as one of the largest operating expense items. Especially for low-cost airlines trying to keep ticket prices competitive, fluctuations in fuel prices can directly affect operational decisions.
The temporary suspension of the Kutaisi route is also considered to be part of this cost optimisation strategy.
According to experts, airlines are trying to balance cost pressures by reducing capacity on routes with lower demand density. Therefore, some regional routes are among the first operations to be affected by economic fluctuations.
Pegasus continues Tbilisi and Batumi operations
Despite the suspension of Kutaisi flights, Pegasus Airlines continues its other operations in Georgia.
The company stated that there are no changes to flights operating from:
- Tbilisi International Airport
- Batumi International Airport
Kutaisi flights expected to return in July
According to information provided by GASA, Kutaisi operations are planned to resume in July.
However, industry sources emphasise that the course of fuel prices and regional demand conditions will continue to play a decisive role in airlines’ summer season planning.
As the summer season begins in Europe and nearby regions, it is noted that airlines are acting more cautiously in capacity management.
