Airlines make major plane change as 13,000 flights cancelled in May
Summer getaways are facing chaos as airlines make changes to planes and routes.
Brits travelling abroad this summer could face a disrupted holiday after 13,000 flights were cancelled due to the Iran war. Data from aviation firms shows that more than two million seats have been cut from May’s flight schedules in the past two weeks.
Some airlines have been switching to smaller aircraft to save on jet fuel after prices rose. Oil and gas supplies have been stretched after the Strait of Hormuz blockade cut off a fifth of global supplies.
Thousands of families who have booked breaks face uncertainty after cuts by British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air France and German carrier Lufthansa.
Since the conflict in Iran began on February 28, jet fuel prices have more than doubled.
Some airlines serving the UK have been protected by buying fuel in advance, but the UK is more at risk of rationing than its European counterparts, The Telegraph reports.
Experts have warned that the UK is “most exposed” to impending jet fuel shortages caused by the war. Analysts at Goldman Sachs said the UK has “critically low levels” of supplies.
Fears have been sparked over the possibility of fuel rationing, which could be introduced, leading to more summer holiday chaos.
Helen Dickinson, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The conflict is driving up costs and families are right to be concerned. But not every pressure comes from the Gulf.
“Higher National Insurance, packaging levies, new regulations and business energy charges are all domestic policy decisions, made in Westminster, and they can be addressed there. Such action by Government would help us to keep prices affordable for households.”
A Government spokesperson said: “UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. Aviation fuel is typically bought in advance, and airports and suppliers keep stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience.
“We continue to work with fuel suppliers, airports, airlines and international counterparts to keep flights operating. We are also consulting on measures to help airlines plan realistic flight schedules which will avoid last-minute disruption and protect holidays.”
