Thousands of British holidaymakers face travel chaos this Easter as flight cancellations linked to the Middle East conflict continue to disrupt travel plans. Travel experts and government officials warn the disruption could last weeks or even months, with soaring jet fuel costs and limited seat availability driving up prices.
European jet fuel has surged 81 per cent since early March, from $830 (£619) to $1,500 (£1,118) per tonne, according to latest figures. The price hike is expected to push up airfares further as families scramble to find alternative routes to popular destinations like Cyprus and Dubai.
The crisis escalated after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran “over” following overnight strikes. US forces launched strikes on Iranian targets in response to attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran retaliated with strikes on targets in Bahrain and Kuwait. Trump called Iranians “sick people” and “cuckoo” at a Nato summit in Turkey.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte backed the US response, saying it was “absolutely necessary” as Iran was “violating the ceasefire” by targeting tankers. Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson urged both sides to “get back to focusing on the talks”. The initial ceasefire had only secured toll-free passage of the Strait for 60 days.
Thousands of Britons have been stranded in Dubai and Abu Dhabi after airspace over Qatar and Bahrain was closed due to drone and missile threats. Families are now scrambling to find safer destinations or alternative routes home, with many facing inflated prices and limited options.
