Easyjet issues 3-week fuel shortage countdown with update on flights after May 16
The airline has issued a statement on potential jet-fuel shortages.
EasyJet has addressed passenger concerns amid the possibility of a jet fuel shortage. It comes as the executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Fatih Birol, warned that Europe has five weeks of jet fuel left due to the Middle East conflict.
The crisis, driven by Iranian disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, could lead to flight cancellations and represents what Birol described as "the largest energy crisis we have ever faced". If the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened, flights in Europe may be affected, as he said: "Some of the flights from city A to city B might be cancelled as a result of a lack of jet fuel."
Kenton Jarvis, EasyJet's chief executive, recently assured that all the airports it serves are "operating as normal". He explained: "We only ever in this industry have three to four weeks visibility (of jet fuel supplies), and that is the same as it was pre-crisis. We have visibility to the middle of May, and we have no concerns. What we’re seeing is airports and fuel suppliers working well to bring jet fuel to the airports." People have been reaching out to EasyJet on social media with concerns about their upcoming holidays.
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On X, one customer under the username @EmMaria87 asked: "@EasyJetholidays we are due to go on holiday to Tunisia with you 16-30 May. Is there a risk we could be stranded out there if there is a shortage of jet fuel?"
An EasyJet customer service representative responded back to say: "Hello Emily, thanks for reaching out to us. We appreciate the concern, our holidays are going ahead as planned.
“If for whatever reason there are any changes that may affect your holiday then our dedicated team will reach out prior to departure."
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has also previously said disruption could begin in May. He told Sky News: "Fuel suppliers are constantly looking at the market.
“We don’t expect any disruption until early May, but if the war continues, we do run the risk of supply disruptions in Europe in May and June, and we hope the war will finish sooner than that and the risk to supply will be eliminated."
Secretary for Transport Keir Mather said: "The Government is monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on fuel supplies, including jet fuel.
“In coordination with the Department for Energy Security and net zero we have worked with fuel suppliers, airlines and airports to understand levels of jet fuel and pricing. There is no immediate cause for concern relating to fuel stocks, and speculation will not help airlines or passengers.
“Many airlines lock in fuel prices in advance, to help protect tickets from spikes in price. We encourage all airlines to do what they can to ensure tickets remain fairly and appropriately priced for passengers."
