Brits’ vacation plans ‘significantly weak’ to jet gas scarcity as main warning issued
The UK is more exposed to jet fuel shortages than other European countries, new research has suggested, as ministers prepare to warn the public that flight cancellations could hit summer holiday plans in 2026
Holidays from the UK could be hit(Image: HENRY NICHOLLS, AFP via Getty Images)
The British public are set to be hit with a warning that flight cancellations could disrupt summer holiday plans as fresh research indicates that the UK faces greater exposure to jet fuel shortages than other European nations. Heidi Alexander, the transport secretary, is expected to inform Brits that flight cancellations may occur this year while promoting domestic holidays, according to The Times.
Her cautions will come after Keir Starmer suggested that people might need to reconsider “where they go on holiday”. Trade specialists have cautioned that kerosene supplies are likely to face disruption across the Strait of Hormuz.
Michael O’Leary, the chief executive of Ryanair, Europe’s largest airline, claimed competitors were “desperately” hunting for flights to axe, as reported by City AM.
Some carriers have allegedly stated that the UK might avoid some of the most severe impacts of jet fuel shortages by securing supplies from alternative nations. However, research conducted by Allianz Trade discovered the UK possessed Europe’s “most structurally exposed markets to jet-fuel shortages”.
The study noted that Britain’s heavy dependence on imports, though from nations beyond the Middle East, would render the UK “particularly vulnerable” to supply disruptions.
“The UK, Germany, France and Italy show the largest shortfalls, underscoring their reliance on external supply to meet aviation demand,” trade specialists stated. “European aviation activity is indirectly exposed not only to global oil price dynamics but also to geopolitical and logistical risks along key supply routes, reinforcing the region’s dependence on external refining hubs for a fuel that is essential to long-haul connectivity.”
The most severe disruptions to flights could occur in late June and July, around the height of the summer travel season.
According to reports, ministers may be considering dissuading Britons from embarking on long-haul flights as part of contingency plans being developed.
Lufthansa Group has revealed it will cancel 20,000 flights over the forthcoming six months, while Virgin Atlantic has introduced a fuel surcharge and British Airways has cautioned about “pricing adjustments” to tickets.
Airlines UK, the industry body, stated: “UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.”
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