Jet Fuel Shortage 2026: Are UK Flights at Risk? Airline Responses
Last updated April 2026
Are jet fuel shortages affecting UK flights in 2026? Here's what major UK airlines are saying about jet fuel shortages and summer travel.
I’ve looked at what each of the airlines are saying, so that you don’t have to!
The media is talking about jet fuel shortages and potential flight cancellations this summer due to the ongoing issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
I’ve trawled the press releases and websites for each of the major airlines that fly out of UK airports.
Here’s what the airlines are saying:
EasyJet
“We have no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.
However, earlier in April, easyJet CEO for Spain and Portugal said that it was ”difficult to see what would happen in a few weeks time.”
Javier Gándara, EasyJet’s CEO for Spain and Portugal (and president of the Spanish Airline Association), said “If there are problems in other countries, that end up affecting flights to Spain, no one will be immune to potential supply problems.”
Jet2
“Flights and holidays remain unaffected at the moment. We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice. Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal. We understand that our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we are looking forward to making sure that they enjoy their award-winning Jet2holidays.”
A follow-up statement from Jet2 on 24th April 2026 confirmed that they will not be adding surcharges to holidays or flights, to cover the cost of jet fuel.”
Jet2’s CEO, Steve Heapy said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2.”
RyanAir
Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary has previously warned that if the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues, flight cancellations are likely.
He said earlier this month: “We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated. I can only guarantee our supplies 100% until the end of May. For June, July, and August, nobody is sure of anything. If this conflict continues, we will have to start considering flight cancellations as soon as there is a risk to fuel supplies in June, July, or August.”
TUI
“We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies. At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”
British Airways
The only current flight changes are due to the ongoing war affecting destinations in the Middle East. This includes a reduction in daily flights to Dubai, as well as reductions across Doha and Riyadh. Flights to Jeddah are currently being suspended.
“Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have made further changes to our flying schedule to provide greater clarity for our customers. We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options. We will continue to assess and introduce further flying where possible.”
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was also affected by the war, and the closure of airports in the Middle East, having cancelled some flights to the affected regions.
They have, however, confirmed that their timetable is “up to date and operating as normal”.
They also said that they were in touch with suppliers and would monitor the situation but that there was “no immediate risk to supply on routes”.
Other
Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, United, and Cathy Pacific have said that they will likely need to cancel flights in the coming months if the issue isn’t resolved.
Conclusion
There's no need to panic just yet, flights are operating as normal, and package holidays are still going ahead. Jet2 must be thinking that everyone is worried about the cost of flights going up with their statement about not adding surcharges for the cost of fuel. I’ve not seen this statement from any of the other airlines.
Only RyanAir have hinted at a specific timeline, with them only being able to guarantee flights up to the end of May.
Currently, no airline flying out of the UK has said that they are experiencing a jet fuel shortage right now, and no flights as far as I am aware, have been cancelled for this reason yet.
What we do know though, is that the cost of jet fuel is unstable at the moment and if all the airlines are in the same position as RyanAir, disruption later this year is possible.
Must Dos When Booking
If you do nothing else, make sure you do the following:
- Read the airline’s terms and conditions for cancellation in this situation, and what your rights are regarding refunds, or what happens if you are stranded abroad due to a cancelled flight. You will get a refund from any UK airline, or EU regulated airline if they cancel your flight. Just remember though, unless you have booked a package holiday, you aren't entitled to refunds for hotel accommodation just becuase you can't get there.
- Make sure you have your travel insurance in place BEFORE you book any element of your holiday.
- Make sure your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) hasn't expired, or if you don't have one, get one from the NHS (only use this NHS link, which is free, don't ever pay for a GHIC
I’m personally not going to change any plans, and it won’t stop me making any new bookings. Of course, we all hope that the situation in the Middle East is resolved very soon.
Sources: British Airways, Easyjet, The Independent, Jet2, RyanAir, The Sun, TUI, Virgin Atlantic
Further resource https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jet-fuel-and-travel-plans-what-you-need-to-know
