Brit holidaymakers face a summer of cancelled flights and soaring ticket prices. The closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz has triggered a severe jet fuel shortage, forcing airlines worldwide to slash schedules and hike fares.
EU Warns of Travel Carnage
EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen delivered a grim forecast. Speaking to Sky News, he said disruption to summer getaways is now “very likely.”
“Unfortunately, it’s very likely that many people’s holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets,”
He warned. “Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it’s not there.”
Jet Fuel Shortage Looms Over Europe
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says physical jet fuel shortages could hit Europe as early as June. IEA chief Fatih Birol revealed Europe relies on Middle Eastern refineries for 75% of its jet fuel — and that supply has plummeted to nearly zero. Europe scrambles to find alternatives from the US and Nigeria, but summer demand spikes by around 40%, risking a full-blown crisis.
“If the supply stays where it is now, the challenge can be even bigger,”
Costly Consequences for Passengers
- Jet fuel prices have doubled since February, peaking at $209 per barrel in April.
- Airlines are passing on the pain: United Airlines may raise ticket prices by 20%, Air France-KLM adds €50 on long-haul flights, and Delta plus Southwest hike baggage fees.
- Major carriers cut flights: Lufthansa axed 20,000 short-haul services, KLM cancelled 160 European flights in one month, and SAS scrapped 1,000 departures in April.
Aviation expert Richard Evans says cuts are down to soaring fuel prices and Middle East disruptions, with more cancellations “extremely likely.” Ryanair hints at 5-10% schedule cuts if prices stay high. Delta has dropped plans to grow flight capacity in 2026.
Calls to Rethink Travel Plans
Italy’s Civil Aviation Authority chief, Pierluigi di Palma, suggests Europeans ditch foreign trips for domestic holidays.
“The psychological effect is having a destructive effect on passengers,”
Airports Council International warns that without reopening the Strait of Hormuz within three weeks, jet fuel shortages will hit the EU hard. Airlines UK urges UK ministers to act now before the crisis deepens. The ongoing war is already costing Europe around €500 million daily, and summer travel looks set to suffer big time.
