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Wed, 06 May 2026

Wed, 06 May 2026 People urged not to cancel flights over fuel shortage fears

Airlines have cut 13,000 flights globally in May as jet fuel prices soar due to the conflict in the Middle East.
There is currently no shortage of jet fuel in the UK and contingency plans are in place, so holidaymakers are being urged not to change their travel plans. Airlines have cut 13,000 flights globally in May due to soaring jet fuel prices caused by the conflict in the Middle East. However, this only accounts for 1% of global flights, and flights in and out of the UK are largely unaffected. Data from Cirium shows that Munich and Istanbul were among the worst-hit destinations. The Department for Transport (DfT) says there is "no need" for people to change their travel plans. UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance and airports maintain stocks to support resilience. If a flight is cancelled, passengers have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing. British airlines and travel agents say that flights are operating as normal and there are no issues with supply at the moment. Contingency plans will allow airlines to cancel flights without losing take-off and landing slots if they face fuel shortages this summer. Airlines expect to operate their full schedules this summer, including the May half-term holidays. There is currently no disruption to jet fuel supplies in the UK, but global prices have soared due to the conflict in the Middle East.