Travel officials in Spain have issued a stark warning that airline ticket prices to some of the most popular holiday destinations are set to skyrocket this summer. The alert comes as the ongoing Iran conflict places severe strain on the global supply of jet fuel, prompting airlines to scale back planned flight schedules and pass on rising costs to passengers.
Impact on Key Tourist Hotspots
The Balearic Islands Travel Agencies Association (AVIBA) has specifically warned those heading to Mallorca, Menorca, and Ibiza to brace themselves for steeper ticket prices. Despite the price hikes, AVIBA president Pedro Fiol confirmed that flights to these regions are not expected to be reduced, as the profitability of these routes remains high. However, he cautioned that the war is likely to produce a summer "with a context of greater tension and rising costs that will be gradually passed on to ticket prices," as reported by Spanish website Ultima Hora.
Fuel Costs and Airline Adjustments
Fiol noted that airlines are currently maintaining "a certain restraint" in airfares, but the scarcity and increased cost of fuel driven by the Iran conflict will undoubtedly result in higher prices. The Airline Association (ALA) has echoed this forecast. Lufthansa has already announced the cancellation of some 20,000 flights through October as part of an operational shake-up, though none of these are located in Spain. The carrier is refocusing resources on the most lucrative routes.
Fiol also warned that additional flights could be compelled to make stops for refueling mid-journey, adding further inconvenience for travellers. TUI, Europe's largest travel operator, revealed that the Iran war cost it around 40 million euros (£34.8 million) last month after it had to bring home thousands of holidaymakers and staff. The company has slashed its profit forecast and suspended revenue guidance, causing its shares to fall.
Expert Views on Flight Cancellations
Despite these pressures, former industry boss Tim Jeans, a former commercial director at Ryanair and later managing director of Monarch Air, insisted that holidaymakers should have "no worries" about flights being cancelled this summer. While he acknowledged that there "may be some trimming of schedules" by airlines, he did not expect carriers to scrap routes entirely. Jeans pointed to a "triple whammy for airlines at the moment," including the spike in fuel costs, uncertainty over travel, and reduced demand due to rising prices.
His remarks follow stark warnings from Airports Council International, which represents over 600 airports. The trade body cautioned that a "systemic" jet fuel shortage could emerge ahead of the peak summer season if the Strait of Hormuz fails to reopen in the coming weeks. Director-general Olivier Jankovec said: "The fact that we are entering the peak summer season... is only adding to those concerns." However, Jeans maintained: "I don't see a situation where flights will get cancelled because of the non-availability of fuel."
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Breakfast programme, Jeans added: "Airlines are looking at their bookings for the next three months ahead and saying 'should we fly that flight, is it going to be profitable?'" The situation remains fluid, with around 18 million Brits heading to Spain each year, many of whom will be affected by the rising costs.
