Holidaymakers are being told not to change their travel plans over concerns about jet fuel supplies, with the UK Government saying there is currently no shortage and contingency plans are in place.
Airlines have cut around 13,000 flights worldwide in May as jet fuel prices rise sharply following the conflict in the Middle East. However, this represents about 1% of global flights, and services to and from the UK are largely unaffected.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium said Munich and Istanbul were among the worst-hit destinations, but UK airlines, airports and travel agents have said flights are operating as normal.
The Department for Transport said UK airlines buy fuel in advance, while airports hold stocks to strengthen resilience. It added that passengers should continue to check with their airline before travelling, review the latest FCDO travel advice, and make sure they have suitable travel insurance.
Airlines have welcomed temporary Government measures allowing them to cancel flights in advance without losing valuable take-off and landing slots. They may also merge flights on routes with several daily services, moving passengers to similar departures to reduce fuel use.
Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, said no flights are being cancelled due to fuel shortages, and airlines plan to run full schedules this summer, including during the May half-term.
Abta also said people should expect holidays booked for the coming months to go ahead as planned.
Fuel prices have more than doubled since the war began, pushing up some ticket prices, especially on long-haul routes. While some major airlines have trimmed schedules, easyJet and Wizz Air say they do not expect cancellations.
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