British holidaymakers are preparing for a summer marked by cancelled flights and soaring ticket prices as a jet fuel crisis grips airlines worldwide. The closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz has triggered a severe shortage of jet fuel, forcing airlines to slash schedules and hike fares.
EU Warns of Travel Carnage
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen delivered a grim forecast during an interview with Sky News, stating that disruption to summer getaways is now “very likely.” He warned, “Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets.” He added, “Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it’s not there.”
Jet Fuel Shortage Looms Over Europe
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned that physical jet fuel shortages could hit Europe as early as June. IEA chief Fatih Birol revealed that Europe depends on Middle Eastern refineries for 75% of its jet fuel supply, which has now plummeted to nearly zero. Efforts are underway to find alternative supplies from the US and Nigeria, but with summer demand expected to rise by around 40%, the risk of a full-blown crisis is increasing. Birol cautioned, “If the supply stays where it is now, the challenge can be even bigger.”
Costly Consequences for Passengers
Jet fuel prices have doubled since February, reaching a peak of $209 per barrel in April. Airlines are passing these costs onto passengers. United Airlines may increase ticket prices by 20%, Air France-KLM has added €50 to long-haul flights, and Delta along with Southwest Airlines have raised baggage fees.
Major carriers are also cutting flights: Lufthansa has axed 20,000 short-haul services, KLM cancelled 160 European flights in one month, and SAS scrapped 1,000 departures in April. Aviation expert Richard Evans attributes these cuts to soaring fuel prices and disruptions in the Middle East, warning that more cancellations are “extremely likely.” Ryanair has hinted at 5-10% schedule reductions if prices remain high, while Delta has abandoned plans to expand flight capacity in 2026.
Calls to Rethink Travel Plans
Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority chief, Pierluigi di Palma, has suggested that Europeans consider domestic holidays instead of foreign trips. Airports Council International has warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within three weeks, jet fuel shortages will severely impact the EU.
Airlines UK has urged UK ministers to take immediate action before the crisis worsens. The ongoing conflict is already costing Europe around €500 million daily, and the outlook for summer travel remains bleak.
Originally published by UKNIP.
