UK officials have issued an update for families concerned about potential jet fuel shortages disrupting their summer holidays in 2026. In a joint statement from the Department for Transport, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, authorities moved to ease growing worries over fuel supplies following tensions affecting shipping routes.
No Current Jet Fuel Shortage
The government confirmed that airlines are not currently experiencing a shortage of jet fuel. Carriers routinely purchase fuel well ahead of schedule, and airports maintain reserves to ensure smooth operations. Ministers stated they are working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption, acknowledging the challenging global conditions faced by families and travel companies.
Flight Cancellations Remain Low
Despite alarming headlines, the government maintains the situation is less severe than feared. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals that only 0.53% of UK flights scheduled for May have been cancelled, broadly consistent with a typical year. Most cancellations are linked to routes involving the Middle East amid ongoing conflict. Looking ahead to the peak summer period, cancellations stand at just 0.2% between June and August. Historically, around 1% of flights are cancelled in a normal year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
Passenger Rights If Flights Are Cancelled
Passengers are reminded that they have robust legal protections under UK law. Travellers are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight if their journey is cancelled, including:
- Departures from UK airports on any airline
- Arrivals into the UK on UK or EU airlines
- Flights into the EU on UK airlines
Holiday-goers are advised to contact their airline or travel provider directly and consult official guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority.
Government Contingency Plans
The government has ramped up monitoring following disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy artery. Officials say they are working closely with airlines, airports, and fuel suppliers to maintain supplies and ensure passengers keep moving. Contingency plans are firmly in place, alongside ongoing efforts to secure a long-term solution to restore normal shipping operations.
Airlines Given Flexibility to Avoid Chaos
To minimise disruption, airlines are being granted additional flexibility over airport take-off and landing slots. Under normal circumstances, carriers must use at least 80% of their allocated slots or risk forfeiting them under the so-called "use it or lose it" rule. However, independent slot coordinator Airport Coordination Limited has eased its guidance, permitting airlines to hold onto slots where fuel shortages prevent flights from going ahead. Ministers are also weighing up temporary regulation amendments for summer and winter 2026 to allow airlines to merge flights, helping to reduce fuel consumption and prevent needless cancellations.
What Passengers Should Do Now
For now, the advice is simple:
- Do not cancel or change plans unnecessarily
- Check flight details with your airline before travelling
- Follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office
- Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance
