A number of leading airlines have provided updates to holidaymakers ahead of the summer season as the continuing Middle East crisis sparks fears over fuel availability.
Oil prices have surged dramatically since the US and Israel conducted joint airstrikes on Iran on February 28 and Iran responded by attacking US regional partners and shutting the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route, through which 20% of the world's oil trade flows. No lasting peace deal has been secured and a temporary ceasefire remains precarious.
Worries about summer holiday travel have intensified over jet fuel supplies.
Carriers including TUI, Jet2, Ryanair and EasyJet have provided updates to passengers, assuring them that services will run with limited disruption.
TUI has reassured passengers that services will proceed, though increased prices could materialise.
CFO Mathais Kiep has stated that adequate fuel is secured for the next 10 weeks. While fuel costs may have climbed, hedging measures and lower consumption could have offset the immediate operational threats.
The carrier has indicated that fare adjustments, rather than service disruptions, can be anticipated.
Ryanair has stated it has "almost zero concerns" about jet fuel supplies for the summer months, Travel and World Tour reported. The carrier has credited this to plentiful alternative sources across Europe.
The budget operator has cautioned that purchasing flights later in summer may result in steeper prices.
EasyJet has stated that operations continue unaffected by the fuel crisis.
The carrier has launched its Book With Confidence Promise which guarantees that prices remain locked in after booking, helping to shield passengers from fuel surcharge fluctuations.
Jet2 has witnessed travellers increasingly choosing holiday packages. Chief Executive Steve Heapy has stated that holiday packages provide reassurance during uncertain times.
The aviation sector maintains it is not presently facing any shortages, given the typical six weeks' forward visibility of supply, though international bodies have cautioned that Europe could encounter jet fuel shortages should the Middle East conflict continue to interrupt supplies.
The UK Government has suggested that preventative measures could be put in place to avoid last-minute disruption for holidaymakers during the summer period.
These include consolidating timetables on routes where several flights to the same destination were running on the same day.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has confirmed there are no "immediate supply issues", but added that the Government was "preparing now to give families long-term certainty and avoid unnecessary disruption at the departure gate this summer".
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