A major airline operating out of Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester has provided an update on jet fuel supplies, easing concerns over potential flight cancellations during the summer travel period. Air France, in a joint statement with partner KLM, has said it does not expect any disruption to fuel supplies in July and August.
Background on Fuel Supply Concerns
Fears over flight cancellations during the summer travel period were sparked after the US and Israel carried out joint strikes on several key Iranian sites on February 28. Iran retaliated by striking sites across the Middle East and closing the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway, through which 20% of global oil traded passes. This disruption to global fuel supplies raised concerns about jet fuel availability for airlines.
Air France-KLM Reassures Travellers
Several airlines have downplayed fears of jet fuel shortages, with Air France's statement being the latest to reassure travellers that their summer plans will not fall through. The Air France-KLM statement read: "While questions regarding fuel availability have attracted media attention since the spring, the information currently available enables the Group's airlines to confirm that they will be able to operate their flight schedule this summer."
Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Smith said: "Air France, KLM and Transavia will transport all their customers this summer. We are continuously monitoring fuel availability at the destinations we serve and, as highlighted by the French and Dutch governments in recent weeks, all indicators are positive for the July and August peak travel season." Smith noted that during this period, the airlines will operate almost 2,200 flights per day to more than 320 destinations globally.
Increased Flexibility for Customers
The statement continued to say that customers will be provided with increased flexibility as Air France, KLM and Transavia are launching a promotional campaign for trips departing from France from June 3, 2026. The campaign will feature tickets that can be changed free of charge, offered across all the Group's airlines. A similar campaign will be launched by KLM and Transavia in the coming days for travel originating in the Netherlands.
"Regardless of the purchase date, and independently of this promotional campaign, Air France, KLM and Transavia will not apply any fare adjustments to bookings that have already been confirmed and paid for in the event of an increase in fuel costs," the statement read. "Customers can therefore book with confidence, without concern about unexpected additional charges."
