The European Union has made clear that airlines cancelling flights due to jet fuel shortages must still compensate passengers, as fuel price hikes do not qualify as 'extraordinary circumstances' under EU law. EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas stated that carriers cannot avoid payouts by citing fuel costs, which are a normal business risk.
While EU rules remain in place in the UK post-Brexit, the government has eased penalties for airlines cancelling flights due to fuel shortages. Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, confirmed it will not cancel summer flights, having hedged 80% of its fuel at $67 per barrel—less than half current spot prices—before the Iran war began.
Other airlines, including Lufthansa and Aer Lingus, have cancelled flights. AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes described the fuel crisis as worse than the Covid pandemic, noting that jet fuel costs have tripled since the US-Israel war on Iran began on 28 February, disrupting oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
A UK Department for Transport spokesperson stated that airlines are not currently facing jet fuel shortages, as fuel is typically bought in advance and stocks are maintained. The government is consulting on measures to help airlines plan realistic schedules and avoid last-minute disruption.
