Travel expert Simon Calder has reassured Britons that widespread summer travel chaos is unlikely, despite the removal of 13,000 flights worldwide in May alone. The 70-year-old journalist and broadcaster addressed concerns amid the Middle East crisis, which has driven up jet fuel costs and prompted cancellations by airlines such as KLM and Lufthansa.
Calder's Reassurance
Speaking on television, Calder emphasised that families should not panic about their holiday plans. He stated: "Keep calm and carry on booking... I've talked in the last 24 hours to top people in the travel industry and they're really frustrated that there's all this talk of cancellations, when the reality is that people will get their holiday as they expect."
He acknowledged that figures showing 13,000 cancelled flights are alarming but noted they cover the entire globe and include significant cuts by Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines. However, he pointed out that Turkish Airlines has not cancelled any UK routes, and Lufthansa's cancellations, such as Glasgow to Frankfurt, represent only 1.5% of capacity, with affected passengers redirected to Edinburgh.
Jet Fuel Crisis
More than 100 flights from London Heathrow have been cut from the May schedule amid fears over jet fuel supply. Oil prices have soared since the US-Iran conflict began over two months ago, with joint strikes on Iranian sites and Iran's retaliation closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil passes.
A government spokesperson said: "UK airlines are clear that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. Aviation fuel is typically bought in advance and airports and suppliers keep stocks of bunkered fuel to support their resilience. We continue to work with fuel suppliers, airports, airlines and international counterparts to keep flights operating. We are also consulting on measures to help airlines plan realistic flight schedules which will avoid last-minute disruption and protect holidays."
Despite the reassurances, Calder acknowledged why families may be worried, as many have booked holidays for June, July, and August well in advance. However, he reiterated that the vast majority of flights will operate as scheduled.
