Travel expert Simon Calder has released an update on his podcast about what to do should your flight be suddenly cancelled amid worldwide jet fuel shortages. The highly regarded travel journalist, well known for his frequent TV appearances and contributions to the Independent, has spoken with a prominent industry figure after seeing 'so many people getting in touch feeling anxious about their holidays.'
He noted that many people were even contemplating whether to stay in England for their holidays. His remarks come as the Iran war continues to rumble on. The conflict, which began on February 28, has restricted the flow of oil and gas across the globe, placing pressure on markets and driving up the cost of jet fuel for airlines.
Jet Fuel Shortages and Industry Warnings
This week, jet fuel shortages have emerged as a significant concern, as statements from senior industry figures have sparked worry amongst ordinary travellers about the potential impact on their holidays this year. Dan Jorgensen, the EU energy commissioner, this week said: 'Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets. Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there.'
Simon Calder's Podcast Insights
Speaking on his podcast on Thursday, April 23, Simon began by saying: 'You might be more inclined to stay in England because of all the headlines we've been seeing over the past couple of days. For example, Lufthansa of Germany said they were cancelling 20,000 flights. I've had so many people getting in touch feeling anxious about their holidays when I would hope they would be looking forward to them with great anticipation.' To tackle this, he spoke with Ted Wake, managing director of Kirker Holidays.
Simon put the question to him: 'So just suppose I have booked a Kirker holiday. I'm maybe going to some of the great cities in Germany. Amazing cultural treasures to be found. And I'm flying maybe from Birmingham, from Edinburgh, from Glasgow, and suddenly Lufthansa cancels my flight. What do you do then as a tour operator?'
Ted responded: 'We would find the nearest flight which would provide a sensible, practical alternative. We would liaise with the client about whether or not it was convenient for them and, if they're in agreement, Kirker would pick up the tab for any logistical costs that have been incurred. There are occasions where tour operators like us might extend the client's stay by an additional night and we might pick up the tab for that. But if you have booked through an ATOL-protected tour operator and the tour operator is mindful to nurture long-term relationships, it is in our interest to iron out the creases in that way. And you have mentioned some regional services there and it may be the case that Lufthansa cancel 1 or 2 of those but there will often be alternative flights, perhaps with a different carrier, and Kirker would pick up the tab for that as well as manage the logistical research in terms of what alternative flight could be suitable to ensure that people have a fabulous holiday.'
Broader Context: EES and Supply Concerns
Ted's remarks come just days after EU official Mr Jorgensen cautioned: '[Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues.' The International Energy Agency has similarly advised that severe supply disruptions could materialise within the next five or six weeks. It was against this backdrop that Simon addressed passenger concerns here in the UK.
Ted highlighted that airlines are currently grappling with two distinct challenges - the jet fuel shortage and the new EES system. This system - the Entry/Exit System (EES) - is a new digital border arrangement that introduces additional checks for British travellers heading to numerous European destinations. It launched this month. On your first visit following the change to a country within the so-called Schengen area (which encompasses many EU nations), you may be required to create a digital record upon arrival at an airport. You may be required to submit your fingerprints and have your photograph taken. The system has resulted in significant delays for some UK travellers since its introduction.
Ted discussed the jet fuel challenges confronting airlines and what this means for everyday passengers across the UK. He said: 'I think Lufthansa has got a very comprehensive schedule. Twenty thousand flights isn't a drop in the ocean but it's a relatively small number if you look at the overall picture. I think other airlines within the UK market will be doing something similar. You might argue that it is a sensible logistical profit management exercise as well as a jet fuel situation, but I don't see it having a major impact on consumers and if you book through a tour operator - of course, Simon, you tell your readers all the time and indeed your listeners for that matter - if you book through a tour operator, it's a tour operator's responsibility to iron out all the creases so the consumer is not adversely impacted by the change.'
