A global squeeze on aviation capacity is set to continue into next financial year, with Qantas and Jetstar extending schedule changes as high fuel prices and ongoing Middle East disruption reshape international demand.

The Qantas Group said it was continuing to adjust its network to “mitigate the impact of the conflict in the Middle East”, including sustained high fuel costs, and to respond to “continued strong demand” for travel to Europe.

With fuel prices remaining significantly elevated, the airline group has extended previously announced changes across its international and domestic operations between July and September, pushing adjustments into the first quarter of FY27.

On the international front, Qantas will continue redeploying some aircraft to increase services between Australia and Europe, giving customers booked on partner airlines more flexibility to switch if needed.

The airline’s additional Perth–Rome services have now been extended until the end of October, while flights to Paris will scale back to three return services per week from August as previously planned. Those services will continue to operate from Sydney via Singapore.

The changes collectively add about 2000 extra seats per week to and from Europe, reflecting continued strong demand on the route.

However, not all markets are growing. Qantas has temporarily suspended its Sydney-Bengaluru service from August, with a planned return at the end of October.

Capacity across the Tasman has also been reduced by both Qantas and Jetstar.

Overall, these adjustments reduce previously planned Group international capacity by 2 per cent for the first quarter of FY27.

Domestically, the group has also extended earlier capacity reductions of 5 per cent through to the end of September, largely affecting major capital city routes.

The group said customers affected by the changes were being contacted directly and offered alternative flights or refunds.