Jeju Air will accept applications for unpaid leave from cabin crew for the month of June. The move follows a reduction in international flight frequencies due to surging jet fuel prices stemming from the war between the United States–Israel and Iran.
On May 8, Jeju Air posted a notice on its internal bulletin board titled "Short-term unpaid leave applications for cabin crew in June 2026," announcing the plan.
Jeju Air said, "We have excess staffing due to a temporary reduction in flight frequencies caused by high oil prices," and added, "We are freely accepting leave applications from those who wish to take time off for childcare, family care, personal rest, and other reasons."
When war broke out at the end of February, international oil prices surged, increasing fuel costs for domestic airlines and prompting them to cut flight frequencies. Notably, Jeju Air reduced its international flight frequencies in May–June by 4% from a year earlier. T'way Air is also significantly scaling back Southeast Asia routes departing from Incheon.
As a result, unpaid leave for surplus staff has been rolling out in succession. Earlier, T'way Air placed flight crew on unpaid leave for two months from this month through next month, and Aero K is also accepting unpaid leave applications from cabin crew.
Last month, the Singapore jet fuel spot price (MOPS) was $4.772 per gallon, up 2.6% from the previous month. Compared with the average MOPS price of $1.9837 per gallon in February, just before the war, it is 140.6% higher.