BBC Morning Live consumer expert Rebecca Wilcox has provided an update on how surging jet fuel costs are impacting major UK airlines, including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, and TUI. Speaking on the programme, she explained that while there are currently no major cancellation issues, passengers could face disruptions later this year.
Jet Fuel Prices More Than Double
Wilcox highlighted that jet fuel prices have soared from around $838 per barrel in late February to over $1,800 in April, before slightly dropping to $1,500. She described the situation as highly unpredictable, putting immense pressure on airlines' margins since fuel is already one of their largest expenses.
"This is a huge problem for airlines because fuel was already one of their biggest costs, and now that fuel is so expensive, their margins are really narrow," she said.
Airlines Cutting Flights in Advance
To avoid last-minute cancellations, some carriers are reducing flight schedules months ahead. For instance, German carrier Lufthansa has cancelled around 20,000 flights from now until October. Wilcox noted that airlines are working to ensure passengers do not face the "awful situation" of arriving at the airport only to find their flight cancelled.
New Rules to Tackle 'Ghost Flights'
The UK government is proposing temporary rule changes to address "ghost flights"—empty or near-empty planes flown solely to retain airport slots. Currently, airlines must use 80% of their slots or risk losing them to competitors. The proposed changes would allow airlines to consolidate passengers onto fewer planes, reducing fuel waste and environmental impact.
"Let's take some of these really busy transfers—like London to Edinburgh, which goes around 5 to 10 times a day—and merge them. Let's have busier planes, more people on a plane, no ghost flights," Wilcox explained.
Impact on Summer Holidays
When asked if holidaymakers should worry, Wilcox said the answer is not straightforward. Airlines are warning of higher ticket prices and long-term schedule changes due to fuel costs. British Airways' parent company, International Airlines Group, reports that its fuel bill could rise by £2 billion to £9 billion a year, potentially adding 8% to some BA fares.
However, she stressed that the majority of summer holidays are expected to proceed. "Airlines are still expecting the majority of flights to go ahead," she said.
Advice for DIY Holiday Bookers
Wilcox advised passengers booking separate flights and hotels to check cancellation terms carefully. She recommended considering package holidays for stronger protections and purchasing comprehensive travel insurance immediately upon booking.
"The best thing to do is if you're booking a DIY holiday, check your cancellation terms really carefully. Consider a package holiday because you get stronger protections. And make sure you have as good travel insurance as you can possibly afford and book it as soon as you book the holiday," she concluded.
