Scotland's busiest airports experienced temporary jet fuel shortages over the weekend, leading to disruptions for passengers. Flights at Glasgow and Edinburgh airports were affected on Sunday, 31 May, after a single jet fuel supplier encountered difficulties servicing both locations.
Concerns about fuel supply have been mounting due to blockades in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, the fuel issues at Glasgow and Edinburgh are not believed to be connected to these geopolitical tensions. Instead, the shortage appears to have originated from a staffing problem at the supplier.
Airport Responses and Updates
A spokesperson for Edinburgh airport commented: “A fuel supplier is currently working to resolve an issue affecting several airlines. The airport is assisting where possible, and passengers are advised to check directly with their airline for the latest information on their flight.” In a subsequent update, Edinburgh airport confirmed that deliveries are now arriving for the affected airlines and operations are running normally.
Similarly, a Glasgow airport spokesperson stated: “A short-term staffing issue has affected one of the fuel suppliers used by airlines at the airport, with work underway to return stock levels to normal. There have been no related flight cancellations, and the airport remains fully operational.” Deliveries have continued, and stock levels are returning to normal. While some flights experienced delays in reaching their destinations, there was no widespread disruption to overall operations.
Impact on Flights and Airlines
Both airports are served by multiple fuel companies, which should have provided alternative options. Airlines typically purchase jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks from suppliers but are not responsible for the transaction between airlines and suppliers.
Data from flight tracking platform Flightradar24 indicated that many flights at both airports were delayed on Sunday afternoon, with some departing over an hour after their scheduled call time. Aviation news blog reported that some airlines had to make refueling stops at other UK airports. For instance, Tui flights from Glasgow airport stopped at Prestwick, while flights from Edinburgh to Dubai and Paris refueled in Manchester.
British Airways and easyJet informed the BBC's Today programme that they have not encountered any problems related to the fuel shortage. The Independent has reached out to various airlines for further comment.
Read more: Thai airline cuts key tourist routes citing rising jet fuel costs.
