A travel expert has outlined the types of flights that are "likely to see some reductions" as the airline industry responds to conflict in the Middle East. In recent weeks, a jet fuel crisis driven by the US and Israel's war with Iran and the blockade of the vital shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz has cast doubt over Brits’ holiday plans as oil prices surge.
More than 30 airlines have cancelled flights or slapped on extra fees as a result, with travellers warned that the May half-term could see cancellations, as fuel shortage fears continue. Fatih Birol, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), last week warned that Europe has "maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left" if the Strait remains closed to maritime traffic.
Meanwhile, fares on UK-to-Europe routes have dipped, with cut-price summer deals still available — though these cheaper tickets are reportedly the most likely to be cancelled. John Grant, chief analyst at aviation consultancy OAG, told The i Paper: "For some airlines looking at the possibility of fuel shortages, those destinations with the highest frequency are likely to see some reductions in frequency service. At the other end of the spectrum, some carriers will elect to cease operating to some of those destinations where forward bookings are relatively light."
Indeed, the outlet adds that experts say flights with "unsold seats" and alternative services running on similar dates may well be the first to be scrapped in the coming weeks and months. A total of 20 per cent of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) moves through the Strait, while the Gulf supplies about 50 per cent of Europe's aviation fuel imports.
As of yesterday (April 23), the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, with an Iranian negotiator claiming it was "not possible" to open the passage, citing "blatant violations of the ceasefire". However, Simon McCulloch, Chief Commercial Officer at travel insurance firm Staysure, told the Mirror this week that pricing and supply-chain issues aren't a reason to "stop travelling altogether".
He said: "Pricing and supply-chain issues for airlines are not a reason to stop travelling altogether. The majority of flights are still expected to operate, although travellers should be prepared for higher fares, timetable changes and, in some cases, possible cancellations if disruption continues. If your flight is cancelled, airlines must offer a refund or an alternative flight, and in many cases provide meals, accommodation and assistance during delays at the airport under UK passenger rights rules. Package holiday customers also benefit from ATOL protection and UK package travel regulations."
He added: "With the right level of planning and the right protection in place there's no reason why people should put off planning their summer holiday."
