Delta Air Lines has announced a temporary halt to its direct flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (North Carolina) and Las Vegas, attributing this decision to the increasing costs of jet fuel.

The airline will suspend its nonstop flights from Raleigh-Durham to Las Vegas between June 2 and September 8, as reported by News&Observer. Delta characterized this action as part of its regular summer flight scheduling but noted that escalating fuel prices influenced the choice.

Earlier this month, Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian indicated that the airline anticipates an additional $2 billion in fuel expenses from April to June, primarily due to rising global oil prices resulting from conflicts in Iran. These tensions have disrupted energy infrastructure in the Middle East and hindered shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial corridor for about 20% of the world’s oil supply.

To cope with the rising costs, Delta is set to cut approximately 3.5% of its flights during this timeframe and has already suspended or modified various routes.

Officials at RDU reported that they are not aware of any other airlines discontinuing flights due to fuel price increases. However, travelers between the Triangle and Las Vegas still have nonstop options available through Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

Airlines industry-wide have increased ticket prices and baggage fees to counteract fuel costs, which surged following escalated geopolitical tensions earlier this year. Although fuel prices have shown slight reductions recently, they remain approximately double what they were last year, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Other airlines are also adjusting their operations. Air Canada has recently announced it will suspend five routes, including two that serve New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, citing fuel costs as a significant concern.

“The price of jet fuel has doubled since the onset of the Iran conflict, thereby impacting routes with lower profitability that are now deemed unfeasible,” stated the airline in a press release. “Schedule updates, including frequency reductions, are being implemented in response.”