TUI has issued an update to holidaymakers ahead of the May half-term, seeking to allay concerns amid reports of thousands of global flight cancellations this month.
Neil Swanson, managing director of TUI UK and Ireland, stated: "We know some customers may be feeling a little uneasy after recent headlines, and we want to reassure anyone travelling over May half term that they can look forward to their holiday with confidence with TUI. We have good visibility on fuel supplies and are operating our holiday programme as planned, with no flights being cancelled due to fuel shortages."
Swanson emphasised the company's careful planning across fuel, flying, and hotel capacity, which allows TUI to offer stable prices without fuel surcharges. "The price customers see is the price they pay, and all TUI package holidays are ABTA & ATOL protected, giving peace of mind from booking right through to returning home," he added.
Passengers remain anxious about potential cancellations stemming from fuel shortages triggered by the Middle East conflict. The UK government has intervened to clarify the situation, stating: "UK airlines say that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. The government is working with industry and international partners to keep passengers moving. There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans."
The government further explained that airlines purchase jet fuel in advance and airports maintain stocks to support resilience. It is closely monitoring risks and minimising disruption. If a flight is cancelled, passengers have clear legal rights, including a full refund or re-routing.
Paul Charles from travel consultancy The PC Agency warned of potential worsening if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. "Airlines are now being forced to cut flights and make difficult decisions ahead of the peak season. It is better for them to cancel flights well in advance so that passengers are less inconvenienced than a last-minute change of plan. As the Iran conflict continues, there will need to be many more cancellations as the jet fuel supply is squeezed," he told Mail Online.
Charles suggested carriers may need to cut up to 10 per cent of flights if the squeeze continues, noting recent UK government changes in slot rules mean airlines won't lose slots for cancellations.
Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, advised: "It is understandable that holidaymakers are feeling apprehensive about their summer travel plans due to the wave of cancellations. The percentage of flights cancelled from the UK remains small, when you consider that the worst airlines cancel over 2 per cent of flights less than a day before departure, even in normal times. Our advice for this summer is to book a package holiday, as that is the best way to protect the full cost of your holiday should greater disruption occur."
