British holidaymakers have been told their summer travel plans remain unaffected despite growing concerns over rising jet fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
easyJet and Jet2 both said they had no issues with fuel supply and would continue operating scheduled flights without introducing extra fuel surcharges for customers.
The reassurances come amid fears that the conflict involving Iran and disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz could drive up airline costs and affect flights during the peak holiday season
The reassurances come amid fears that the conflict involving Iran and disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz could drive up airline costs and affect flights during the peak holiday season.
Concerns over travel disruption have already grown in recent weeks, with aviation analytics company Cirium reporting a sharp rise in cancellations during May. According to the firm, 296 departures from UK airports were cancelled during the month, accounting for 0.75 per cent of all scheduled flights, the Independence reported.
easyJet chief executive Kenton Jarvis said passengers should not worry about their bookings, telling BBC Radio 4 the airline had experienced no fuel shortages across its network.
“We have seen absolutely no issues with fuel supply at any of our airports in the UK, across Europe, or indeed beyond,” he said.
easyJet Holidays also told customers their trips would “go ahead as planned” without additional charges linked to fuel costs.
However, Jarvis warned that higher oil prices could eventually affect fares later in the summer once existing fuel hedging arrangements expire.
Jet2 issued a similar assurance, saying customers would not face extra charges on flights or package holidays because of rising jet fuel prices.
The airline said travellers would pay the price agreed at the time of booking and added that customers would continue receiving refunds and flexible options in the event of cancellations.
Steve Heapy, chief executive of Jet2, said the company remained confident about fuel availability after receiving encouraging updates from suppliers.
“We are in regular dialogue with our fuel suppliers, and the current picture is one of increased production and imports, meaning we continue to look ahead with confidence,” he said.
The update came as the head of the International Air Transport Association warned travellers to expect more expensive air fares if oil prices continue climbing.
International Air Transport Association director general Willie Walsh said airlines would eventually be forced to pass rising fuel costs onto passengers.
“There may be some instances where airlines will discount to stimulate some traffic flow,” he told the BBC.
“But over time it’s inevitable that the high price of oil will be reflected in higher ticket prices.”
While Walsh said there was no immediate concern over jet fuel shortages, he warned the industry could struggle to absorb continued increases in oil prices tied to instability in the region.
