worried

BUDGET airline easyJet has issued a major update on its jet fuel supply including some flights that will now cost more.

EasyJet has revealed that bookings are lower for this summer compared to last year, as a result of the conflict in the Middle East – but flights are set to go ahead as planned.

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According to the short-haul airline, it has only sold 58 per cent of its seats available until the end of September – which is two per cent less than the same period last year.

However, easyJet boss Kenton Jarvis reassured that the airline is “not seeing any disruption to fuel supply” as he urged people to “book with confidence”.

When asked about the issue on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Jarvis said: “I would absolutely say don’t panic about it.

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“At easyJet, we fully intend to fly the summer schedule that we have on sale, and we also have a ‘book with confidence’ promise that we will not put fuel surcharges on, so once you’ve booked, that will be the price you pay.”

The airline has increased the prices of its winter flights though, for the 2026/27 season, by “two to three pounds”.

Jarvis said: “Fares for this summer are looking incredibly attractive.

“The fare price that we take is based on a number of factors – it’s based on the demand, the route, the timing of the route.

“What we’re seeing this summer is that fares are broadly in line with where they were this time last year, which obviously is incredibly good value.”

Jarvis did predict that some other airlines may run into problems though, due to the increased fuel costs.

He said: “The demand situation will mean that prices remain competitive throughout the summer.

“If you haven’t hedged, you won’t be able to pass on the incremental price of fuel very easily.

“I’m not going to speculate as to which airlines that might be, but airlines with considerable debt would be one to look at.”

Currently, easyJet has hedged (locked in the price of) 72 per cent of its fuel supply between now and the end of September at the prices available before the Iran conflict.

However, this falls to 53 per cent for the winter 2026/27 period.

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The airline responded to a passenger who asked for an update on upcoming flights

TUI has shared a message to passengers worried about possible ‘fuel shortages’. The travel company issued advice on social media, responding to a customer with concerns.

The update comes as experts have warned Europe could face jet fuel shortages if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened in the coming weeks. Airports Council International (ACI) Europe, the trade body for European airports, previously said: “At this stage, we understand that if the passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks, systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU.

“The fact that we are entering the peak summer season… is only adding to those concerns.” On Thursday, the head of the International Energy Agency (IEA) warned Europe has “maybe six weeks of jet fuel left”.

Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has also said disruption could begin in May. He previously 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.”

In response to the developments, a TUI passenger contacted the airline on X to ask if it could share an update for any flights booked after May 1. The social media user wrote: “TUIUK, with the reported jet fuel shortages, are you expecting holidays from May 1st to be affected?”

Replying to the message on April 16, a customer service team member answered on behalf of the airline. She wrote: “Hey, 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 any immediate disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

Other airlines have faced similar questions from passengers. In an X post shared with easyJet Holidays last week, a customer asked: “How concerned should we be that, given the potential aviation fuel shortages from end May, that our July flights Gatwick Bordeaux will be cancelled? Do you have surety of supply from Canada for example?”

In a response on April 10, an employee told the passenger they would be notified if any changes were made to the booking. easyJet Holidays said: “Hi there, thanks for reaching out. We do appreciate your concerns.

“Please be assured, we are monitoring the situation closely and if there were to be any changes to your booking at all, our dedicated pre-travel team would be in touch to advise on your options.”