UK government issues new advice to holidaymakers as Brits given 23-day warning
The UK government has issued fresh travel advice amid growing fears that Europe’s jet fuel reserves could fall to a critical level this summer.
With ongoing concerns about flight cancellations, analysts from Goldman Sachs say fuel stockpiles, which were at 37 days before the conflict in the Middle East, have already fallen to around 30 days and could drop to the International Energy Agency’s 'critical threshold' of 23 days in June.
The issue largely stems from disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route responsible for around 20 percent of global fuel supplies.
Since the US-Israeli war on Iran, jet fuel prices have surged, while airlines across Europe have started cutting flights to conserve fuel and reduce costs.
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Around 13,000 flights, globally, and two million passenger seats have reportedly been cancelled for May, with UK airlines accounting for around 120 cancelled departures.
More flights scheduled for June have also already been axed.
UK government update
The Foreign Office, the Department of Transport and the Department of Energy Security has said in a joint statement that most passengers should be able to carry on with their travel plans as normal.
"There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience," it read.
"The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.
"If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing.
"We advise passengers to continue checking with their airlines before they travel, and to check the FCDO travel advice for the latest updates. You should also ensure you have appropriate travel insurance."
What the airlines are saying
Many UK airlines have previously confirmed that they have no plans to hike up ticket prices.
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the airline is 'well hedged' against fuel prices, while easyJet confirmed it will not add fuel surcharges for summer 2026 bookings.
Jet2 said customers can book with confidence with no extra fuel charges, and TUI has told customers their holiday price is fixed with no fuel surcharges added.
"The last thing I want is for people to turn up at a departure gate and have last minute cancellations," added Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
"I am confident, sat here today on the basis of the information that I have available to me, that the majority of people who are traveling this summer will have a similar experience to that which they had last year."
Anish Vij