Summer holidaymakers are being warned to take extra precautions as a jet fuel crisis threatens to cause widespread disruption. The price of jet fuel has surged by 120 percent since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, leading to concerns about shortages and potential flight consolidations or cancellations with just two weeks' notice.
Fuel Shortage Risks
Before the conflict, Europe had about 37 days' supply of jet fuel. That figure has now likely dropped to 30 days, and the International Energy Agency warns that 23 days is the critical point at which some airports could run out of fuel. Airlines have already raised ticket prices, but further disruption is expected unless the Strait of Hormuz reopens soon.
Exceptional Circumstances
The European Commission has indicated that disruptions caused by the fuel crisis will be classified as "exceptional circumstances," meaning passengers may not be entitled to financial compensation if their flights are changed. This has raised concerns about the erosion of consumer rights, particularly for families and those with additional needs.
Risk of Family Separation
Travel expert Declan Somers, CEO of Mobal, warns that the biggest risk this summer is not just airport chaos but the possibility that families who booked together could be split across the cabin when flights are merged. There is no UK law requiring airlines to seat children with their parents, although the Civil Aviation Authority recommends that young children should be seated in the same row or no more than one row away from accompanying adults.
"If airlines start consolidating flights, a family of four may be rebooked onto the same replacement flight but not necessarily seated together," Somers cautioned. He urges parents to book directly with the airline, pay for seat selection, and call immediately to have assistance notes attached to their booking.
Impact on Disabled Travellers
Travel expert Alexandra Dubakova warns that emergency rebookings often fail to account for specialised needs, such as extra legroom for mobility or specific seating for medical equipment. "There might be cases of passengers being de-boarded or rebooked again because the replacement aircraft lacks the specific configurations they originally paid for," she explained. Pre-arranged protections, such as assistance booked 48 hours in advance, may no longer be guaranteed due to last-minute aircraft swaps.
Regional Airports Hit Hardest
Smaller regional airports, which lack the on-site fuel storage of major hubs like Heathrow, are expected to be hit hardest. Dubakova describes these airports as the "canary in the coal mine." Experts advise travellers to choose the first flight of the day, fly from larger hubs where possible, and ensure all medication is planned at least four weeks in advance.
Airlines' Responses
UK airlines have stated they are not currently facing supply issues, and the Government is working with the sector to act quickly if needed. Jet2, easyJet, and TUI have committed not to impose additional charges due to fuel price increases. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "There are no immediate supply issues, but we’re preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer."
British Airways has confirmed that it does not allow children to sit alone away from their parent, pre-seating families on the same Passenger Name Record to ensure all children under 12 are seated with at least one adult. TUI and Virgin Atlantic offer similar reassurances. Ryanair provides free reserved seating for children aged 2 to 11 to sit beside a parent, while easyJet warns that last-minute check-in may not guarantee adjacent seats but will ensure children under 12 are seated close to an adult.
An easyJet spokesperson told the Mirror: "easyJet is not seeing any disruption to fuel supply. We continue to operate our flights and package holidays as normal and are not making changes or cancellations." CEO Kenton Jarvis added: "I want our customers to book with confidence this summer. We are operating as normal."
