Fuel shortage fears: why UK flights are not being cancelled
UK households planning summer holidays can keep their travel plans unchanged despite rising jet fuel prices and global flight cuts.
Direct answer
There is currently no jet fuel shortage affecting UK flights. Airlines are operating normal schedules and passengers retain full legal rights if a flight is cancelled.
Fuel shortage fears: why UK flights are not being cancelled
What's happening
People are being urged not to cancel their flights over concerns about jet fuel supplies. The Department for Transport (DfT) says there is no shortage in the UK and that contingency plans are already in place. Airlines have reduced about 13,000 flights worldwide in May 2026, which is only 1% of global flights, and flights to and from the UK remain largely unaffected.
Why it matters
Rising jet fuel prices, driven by the Middle East conflict, have pushed the cost of a tonne of fuel from $831 in late February to a peak of $1,838 in early April. The price is now around $1,500. Higher fuel costs can lead to higher ticket prices, but the current supply situation does not require passengers to change their holiday plans.
Who is affected
The impact is most visible on routes to popular summer‑sun destinations such as Munich and Istanbul, which have seen the highest number of cancellations. However, UK airlines and travel agents report that all flights are operating as normal and that there are no supply issues at present. Budget carriers like easyJet and Wizz Air have said they do not expect to cancel any flights.
What to do next
If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re‑routing. The DfT advises passengers to keep checking with their airline and to review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for the latest updates. Ensuring you have appropriate travel insurance can also provide protection if disruptions occur.
Sources
People urged not to cancel flights over fuel shortage fears
Key facts
- Jet fuel prices more than doubled after the war began, peaking at $1,838 per tonne in early April 2026.
- Airlines have cut 13,000 flights globally in May 2026, representing just 1% of all scheduled flights.
- UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance and maintain airport stocks to ensure resilience.
- The government allows airlines to cancel flights weeks in advance without losing take‑off and landing slots if fuel shortages arise.
- Passengers retain full legal rights to refunds or re‑routing if a flight is cancelled.
Key entities
- Department for Transport (DfT) – issued the statement reassuring travellers and outlining passenger rights.
- Airlines UK – chief executive Tim Alderslade confirmed that no flights are being cancelled due to fuel shortages and that full summer schedules will be operated.
- Abta – travel‑agent body confirmed that holidays are expected to go ahead as planned.
- Advantage Travel Partnership – represents small travel agents and reports that airlines will assess poor‑performing flights but overall impact will be marginal.
- Which? – consumer group noted that airlines typically cancel 2% of flights the day before departure under normal circumstances.
What to watch
The situation remains fluid. The UK imports about 65% of its jet fuel, much of it from the Middle East via the Strait of Hormuz. Any further disruption to that route could affect supply, but as of now there is no impact on UK flight operations.
FAQs
Q: Will my holiday flight be cancelled because of fuel shortages? A: No evidence suggests that UK flights will be cancelled due to fuel shortages at this time. Airlines have confirmed normal operations and have contingency plans in place.
Q: What are my rights if a flight is cancelled? A: You are entitled to a full refund or re‑routing, and you should check with your airline and the FCDO for the latest information.
Q: Should I buy travel insurance? A: Travel insurance that covers trip cancellations or disruptions is advisable, especially when booking holidays well in advance.
Q: How are airlines responding to higher fuel prices? A: Some carriers have trimmed summer schedules and are consolidating flights, but they are not cancelling flights over fuel supply concerns.
Key takeaways
- There is currently no jet fuel shortage affecting UK flights.
- Only a small fraction of global flights have been cancelled, and UK routes remain largely unaffected.
- Airlines are operating normal schedules for the summer, including the May half‑term period.
- Passengers retain full legal rights if a flight is cancelled, and should check with their airline and the FCDO for updates.
- Travel insurance can provide additional protection against unexpected disruptions.
Key takeaways
- No jet fuel shortage is currently impacting UK flights.
- Airlines have cut only 1% of global flights in May 2026.
- Passengers retain full legal rights if a flight is cancelled.
- Check airline communications and FCDO travel advice before travel.
- Travel insurance is recommended for holiday bookings.