Jet2 has suspended its food and drink services, along with in-flight retail, for some passengers on selected routes. The airline says it is currently experiencing an operational issue that is outside its control.
Cause of Disruption
The disruption has reportedly been triggered by a significant supply chain breakdown resulting from a fire at Jet2's Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich. As this central warehouse is responsible for supplying all catering trolleys, the airline has been forced to suspend all food, drink, and Jet2shop retail services on the affected flights.
This means some passengers will be unable to purchase snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, hot beverages, or duty-free goods from the cabin trolley. Pre-booked meals are likely to be cancelled, and passengers who paid in advance for a hot meal or snack deal will not receive their order, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Refunds and Alternatives
Jet2 is automatically issuing refunds for all pre-booked catering back to the original payment method. Passengers are permitted to bring their own food, drinks, and snacks on board, provided they have passed through airport security. Jet2 has been approached for comment.
Despite this shortage, Jet2's safety regulations remain firmly in place, as passengers are not permitted to bring hot coffee, tea, or hot food from the airport terminal onto the aircraft. A statement on the Jet2 website makes clear: "You can't bring hot food or hot drinks onboard our planes for safety reasons."
Passenger Reactions
Passengers have taken to social media this week to seek further details about the operational issue and to alert fellow travellers. On X, one passenger using the handle @BigDogStaff wrote: "@Jet2tweets just had an email and a text message to say there will be no food or drinks available for our five hour flight."
Jet2 responded: "Hi there, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by our food and drink services and in-flight retail by unavailable on your flight. Sadly, this is due to an operational issue outside our control. (1/2)." The airline added: "You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal onboard with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know. ^Ellie (2/2)."
On the Facebook group Jet2.Com and Jet2holidays Customer Service and Support, one user questioned: "What is happening with no food or drink on Jet2 planes? Just had an email about no food or drink on the planes tomorrow, any idea what happening?" In the replies, one person commented: "Been on lots of posts - supply issues due to a fire in a warehouse apparently - just get something in the airport to take on board with you." While another added: "Just arrived in Greece via Jet2, we pre-ordered hot food but got an email saying it was limited. There was no food, drinks, snacks, and no duty-free trolley, all we got was water."
A third user wrote: "Someone I know is flying tomorrow, and they were told this evening that there would be no food, including pre-booked. Maybe it depends on the airport or route." In a separate Facebook post, another user warned: "Just a heads up. A friend who is travelling from Leeds tonight has received this. So it may be the same on the return journey." They attached a screenshot of what appears to be a text message from Jet2.
Official Communication
The message reads: "Due to an operational issue outside of our control, there will be no food, drink or Jet2shop available to buy on board your flight. Unfortunately, this also means that any pre-booked food or drink items will not be available, and we will automatically arrange any refunds for these. You are welcome to bring snacks and soft drinks purchased in the terminal (after security) on the flight with you, but for safety reasons, hot drinks cannot be brought on board. We are very sorry for any disappointment this may cause."
A Facebook post by UK travel agency Camel Travel stated: "Heads up for those flying with Jet2 at the moment. A fire at Jet2's Retail Operations Centre in Middlewich on Wednesday has impacted the availability of food and drinks on some flights." What seems to be a screenshot of an email from Jet2 is also featured. It states: "We will process the refund right away to the payment card used when you booked - but like all refunds these days, it could take three to five working days for the funds to reach you. We're sorry if you don't receive any pre-booked items. Our friendly Cabin Crew are looking forward to welcoming you on board and will ensure you have a lovely flight."
