AIRLINES around the world have been forced to cancel flights due to the ongoing Iran war.
Thousands of holidaymakers have been affected by the conflict, which has seen the cost of jet fuel spiral due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Not only has this seen prices go up by the blocking of the world’s busiest trade route, but it has also sparked fears of shortages.
Foreign airlines including United, Cathay, Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines are just some that have said they are cancelling flights.
But nervous Brits will be wondering if their own holidays will be affected.
Airlines UK, which represents a number of carriers, including BA, Virgin, easyJet, Jet2 and Ryanair, are calling on the government for support to protect flights and holidays.
This would include temporary use of fuel type Jet A (not currently allowed in the UK) as well as relaxing the strict airport slot rules that would see airlines lose them if they don’t operate flights.
Easing night flight bans and “relieving the burden of Air Passenger Duty” have also been put forward.
In the mean time, we’ve gone to all the top UK airlines and tour operators to get their latest update.
Jet2
Jet2 – the UK’s biggest tour operator – said that flights and holidays remain unaffected at the moment.
A Jet2 spokesperson told us: “We remain in continual dialogue with our fuel suppliers, as is standard practice.
“Based on the conversations we have been having, we see no reason not to look forward to operating our scheduled programme of flights and holidays as normal.
“We understand that our customers work and save very hard for their holidays, and we are looking forward to making sure that they enjoy their award-winning Jet2holidays.”
TUI
TUI holidays have not been affected or cancelled by the fuel crisis.
A TUI spokesperson told Sun Travel: “We’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies.
“At present, we’re not anticipating disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”
easyJet
EasyJet flights are not currently affected by the fuel crisis.
A spokesperson told Sun Travel that there was ” no disruption to flights” and “no plans to make any changes to our flying schedule”.
However, earlier this week, easyJet CEO for Spain and Portugal said that it was difficult to see” what would happen in a few weeks time.
Javier Gándara told local media: “If there are problems in other countries, that ends up affecting flights to Spain. No one will be immune to potential supply problems.”
Ryanair
The budget Irish airline has not cancelled flights caused by the fuel crisis.
However, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary previously warned that if it continues, flight cancellations were likely.
He said earlier this month: “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.”
This is because the airline currently hedges (pays a set price) for 80 per cent of fuel, not but the remaining 20 per cent.
Sun Travel has contacted Ryanair for comment.
British Airways
British Airways has not cancelled any flights due to the jet fuel crisis.
The only current flight changes are due to the ongoing war affecting destination in the Middle East.
This includes a reduction in daily flights to Dubai (from three to one) as well as reductions across Doha and Riyadh. Flights to Jeddah are being permanently suspended from April 24.
A British Airways spokesperson told us: “Due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East, we have made further changes to our flying schedule to provide greater clarity for our customers.
“We’re keeping the situation under constant review and are directly in touch with affected customers to offer them a range of options.”
“We will continue to assess and introduce further flying where possible.”
Virgin Atlantic
When the war first broke out in Iran, Virgin Atlantic was also affected by the closure of airports in the Middle East, which saw some cancellations.
This also saw the ending of their London to Riyadh route just a year after launching.
However, the airline has confirmed that the flying programme is “up to date and operating as normal”.
They also added that they were in touch with suppliers and would monitor the situations but that there was “no immediate risk to supply on routes”.