The Iran conflict and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz could cause a jet fuel shortage and soaring summer holiday travel prices
Airline Jet2 has issued a significant update for anyone who has a flight booked for this summer. The airline has made its position clear amid escalating concerns that the Iran war and closure of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to a jet fuel shortage and steep price hikes this summer.
This week, EU energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen warned: “Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets.” Fears are mounting that passengers could face additional charges from airlines as they grapple with skyrocketing fuel costs.
Mr Jorgensen further explained: “Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it’s not there. [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.” Earlier today, President Trump hinted that the Iran situation could persist for weeks, stating he ‘wouldn’t rush’ a deal.
Jet2 has declared that it will not impose surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover cost increases, such as those for jet fuel. In an attempt to quell the burgeoning crisis, the Department for Transport issued direct guidance yesterday to passengers booked with carriers including Jet2, Ryanair, Wizz, easyJet and British Airways.
Now in a fresh statement, Jet2 has confirmed it will not impose surcharges on any booked flights or holidays to cover rising costs, such as jet fuel, guaranteeing customers that the price they book is the price they will pay.
Amid speculation that some airlines and travel firms may introduce such surcharges – meaning their customers could face extra costs after making a booking – Jet2 has scrapped the surcharge provision across all flights and holidays, despite the company never having previously applied them.
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The policy covers all flights and holidays booked through any channel, whether online, via the mobile app, contact centre or independent travel agent. It excludes tourist taxes, which are payable at the resort during the holiday and are paid directly to the accommodation provider.
Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Holidaymakers should have every right to book their hard-earned break in the sun, without worrying about being hit with additional costs, and they can have that complete assurance when they book a flight or holiday with Jet2. As a result of today’s announcement, customers booking with Jet2 know that they are locking in their price without additional cost surprises later and we strongly believe that is the right thing to do by them. Ahead of a busy summer this is yet more evidence of why, on top of our incredible holidays and award-winning customer service, nothing beats a Jet2holiday.” Yesterday, the DfT stated: “There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans. UK airlines purchase jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience. The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.
“If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. Read this factsheet for the full picture on the current situation and what it means for you.”