Passengers are being reminded that they have strong legal protections should a jet fuel crisis hit
Travellers anxious about potential jet fuel shortages disrupting their summer holidays have been advised to proceed with their plans as usual – with Government officials maintaining that flights are operating normally and any disruption remains negligible.
In a joint statement from the Department for Transport, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, authorities have sought to address growing concerns regarding fuel supplies amid tensions impacting shipping lanes.
They confirmed that airlines are “not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel”, highlighting that carriers generally purchase fuel significantly in advance, while airports hold reserve stocks to ensure smooth operations.
Government ministers stated they are collaborating “closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption”, acknowledging that holidaymakers and travel companies are navigating “challenging global conditions”.
Cancellations remain low – and within normal levels
Despite worrying media coverage suggesting widespread disruption, officials maintain the situation is considerably less severe. Data from aviation analytics company Cirium indicates that only 0.53% of UK flights planned for May have been cancelled – roughly consistent with a standard year.
The majority of these cancellations involve Middle Eastern routes due to the continuing conflict in the region. Looking ahead to the busy summer period, the picture appears even more positive, with cancellation rates sitting at merely 0.2% throughout June, July and August.
Under normal circumstances, approximately 1% of flights are cancelled annually, according to Civil Aviation Authority statistics.
Your entitlements when flights are cancelled
Travellers are being urged to remember they benefit from robust legal safeguards should disruption arise.
According to UK legislation, passengers have the right to either a complete refund or a replacement flight when their journey is cancelled, covering:
- Departures from UK airports on any airline
- Arrivals into the UK on UK or EU airlines
- Flights into the EU on UK airlines
Those affected are encouraged to get in touch with their airline or travel company directly and consult official guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority. The Government has intensified its oversight following disruption to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial global energy corridor.
Authorities confirm they’re collaborating with airlines, airports and fuel providers to maintain supplies and ensure travellers “keep moving”.
Backup measures are also in operation, while work continues to establish a longer-term resolution for restoring normal shipping operations.
Airlines granted flexibility to prevent chaos
To minimise disruption, carriers are being offered additional flexibility regarding airport take-off and landing slots.
Typically, airlines must utilise at least 80% of their designated slots or face forfeiting them – known as the “use it or lose it” rule.
However, the independent slot coordinator Airport Coordination Limited has eased guidance, permitting airlines to retain slots when fuel shortages prevent flights from departing. Ministers are additionally weighing up interim regulatory adjustments for the summer and winter periods of 2026, which would permit airlines to merge flights, thereby reducing fuel consumption and preventing needless cancellations.
What passengers should do now
For now, the advice is simple:
- Do not cancel or change plans unnecessarily
- Check flight details with your airline before travelling
- Follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office
- Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance
