Warning for holidays to Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Turkey | UK | News
Holidaymakers traveling to Spain, Portugal, Italy, France and Türkiye this summer have been warned of possible flight disruptions as airlines cut thousands of services amid growing fears of jet fuel shortages. Millions of Brits travel to Europe during the peak summer season, as well as to Türkiye, one of the most popular destinations for British tourists.
But experts warn passengers could face higher fares, shorter schedules and possible disruption after airlines began cutting thousands of flights around the world due to rising aviation fuel costs linked to the escalating crisis in the Middle East. Many airlines, including Germany’s Lufthansa, have already reduced their schedules in an effort to save fuel; At least 13,000 flights have been canceled worldwide this month alone; This means approximately two million fewer seats.
The number of airline seats available worldwide in May fell from 132 million to 130 million between April 10 and April 21, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. The firm warned that deeper cuts could come in June if the conflict involving Iran continues and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz worsens.
Cirium said: “The longer the crisis lasts, the more disruptions should be expected.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and fuel supplies, and its closure has reportedly cut off around 30 percent of Europe’s aviation fuel shipments.
The rush to secure alternative fuel supplies from regions such as the United States and West Africa has also reportedly caused prices to double.
British airlines are among those facing increasing pressure; easyJet and British Airways are already warning that rising fuel costs could push ticket prices even higher.
A separate analysis by French bank Société Générale suggested that aviation fuel reserves could fall to critical levels by June if only half of lost fuel supplies are replaced, potentially increasing the risk of airport-specific shortages and further flight cancellations.
Bryan Terry, managing director of Alton Aviation Consulting, warned that more airlines were expected to announce cuts in the coming weeks.
“We expect additional disruptions, especially from carriers who have not yet made announcements,” he told The i Paper.
“Each airline will split schedules, cancel the most unprofitable routes and reduce frequencies on busy routes where capacity exceeds demand.”
Mr Terry added: “Airlines typically adjust their schedules with a delay of four to eight weeks following a supply shock,” meaning decisions on June and July flights are likely to be made within days.
Experts are increasingly warning that the UK could be among the hardest-hit countries due to limited refining capacity and dependence on imported aviation fuel.
But the Government insisted there was no urgent shortage at this time.
A spokesman said: “UK airlines are clear that they do not see shortages of jet fuel at this time. Aviation fuel is often purchased in advance and airports and suppliers hold fuel stocks to support their resilience.”
