Gatwick is reportedly facing a likely fuel shortage that could impact hundreds of flights in the peak travel period with flyers on easyJet and British Airways set to face disruption
Brits set to head on holiday could face chaos as a major UK airport has warned of fuel shortages in the coming days. Gatwick Airport delivered a jet fuel warning to pilots which is likely to impact flights departing from the airport.
The potential supply issue could impact easyJet and British Airways flights as the peak season for travel continues, with Wizz Air, TUI, and Jet2 also likely to be affected.
The announcement sent out by Gatwick warned airlines: “For the attention of all crews: Gatwick has a shortage of fuel for the next two days. Please uplift max possible fuel at outstations.”
Another memo warned of a “potential disruption to the Gatwick fuel supply”. An airline source told The Sun : “Pilots will try and take on as much fuel as they can from their foreign destinations to bring back to the UK, but they will be limited by factors such as the maximum take-off weight and the maximum landing weight back at Gatwick.”
The source added that “disruption” is likely at the UK’s second largest airport from Monday. The possible fuel shortage will impact short-haul operators, including easyJet less, as they can carry extra fuel from inbound European flights to bypass Gatwick’s pumps entirely.
However, British Airways and other long-haul flight carriers, may face further issue, especially as some flights will have departed prior to the announcement being made.
The shortage is reportedly due to a technical issue at one of Gatwick’s fuel farms, rather than the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said: “Following a technical issue impacting fuel supply to the airport, airlines have been advised to monitor fuel availability.
“We are working closely with external suppliers to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and minimise any potential disruption. All airlines are operating as normal.”
The Daily Star has contacted easyJet and British Airways for further comment.