ABTA – The Travel Association has urged UK holidaymakers not to cancel their May half term breaks, despite growing concerns over jet fuel shortages and flight cancellations. The advice comes after reports that some airlines are preparing contingency measures, including refuelling stops on long-haul routes, due to soaring fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Mark Tanzer, ABTA Chief Executive, said: “We really don’t want people worrying about their holidays; planes are taking off daily and people are continuing to get away on their holidays. The Government and airlines are clear that there isn’t a problem with fuel supply.” He added that cancellations globally amount to less than one per cent of overall flights.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, around 13,000 flights worldwide have been cut in May, reducing capacity by almost two million seats. In the UK, 120 of 22,613 scheduled departures have been cancelled, equivalent to 0.53%. Munich and Istanbul are among the worst-affected destinations.
The Department for Transport said there is “no need” for travellers to change their plans, noting that UK airlines buy fuel in advance and airports maintain reserves. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that more fuel has been imported from America and refineries have increased production, while a temporary rule change allows airlines to group passengers from different flights onto fewer planes to save fuel.
Passengers are advised to check flight updates with airlines before travelling and ensure they have suitable travel insurance. Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, said UK departures to popular summer hotspots “remain unaffected” and customers can “continue to book with confidence”.
