Trade moves to reassure holidaymakers about aviation fuel issues

Agents and others in the trade have reassured holidaymakers about their travel plans following reports last week about the rising cost of fuel and possible shortages amid the conflict in the Middle East.

Dutch carrier KLM announced a number of cancellations because of the soaring costs of fuel, following cuts revealed by Lufthansa – and the International Energy Agency said on Thursday that Europe had “maybe six weeks’ worth” of jet fuel left before stocks would fall below a level where there were likely to be shortages and flight cancellations.

Amanda Matthews, Designer Travel co-owner, was among the agents who posted on social media to outline the situation for clients.

“Of the hundreds of suppliers and airlines we deal with, as of today we have had ZERO notifications about fuel shortages and only 2 airlines that we work with that have introduced a small fuel surcharge (Air Mauritius and Eva Air),” she said on Friday (April 17).

“We can give our clients the option to prepay tickets in full to avoid these charges too.”

She also referred to a new Jet2holidays ‘Lock in your prices’ campaign, saying: “They, like us, recommend buying your holidays now whilst prices are lower, this is due to demand and not fuel issues.”

“When the War in the Middle East eases, holiday prices will rocket as demand will bounce back, it always happens and those who wait will pay more for their holidays,” said Matthews.

“We would always recommend during these times that you buy a full package holiday through a professional travel agent as in any event, you are more protected through the Package Travel Regulations and your professional travel agent will be there to guide, assist and if required sort out a refund if your package gets cancelled for any reason by the Tour Operator.”

She urged clients to check out the agency’s Savvy Traveller Guide which offers more information about what to look for when booking a holiday.

Another agent, Laura Harvey of Holiday Elite, also posted about the media reports about jet fuel issues.

“Until our operators or airlines announce a shortage on fuel, or cancel a flight because of this, it’s business as usual,” she said.

“As always, I like to keep it real with you all & give you what information I can, SHOULD your holiday be cancelled, it is FULLY protected under ABTA and ATOL, and a refund or a suitable alternative would be offered. No one will keep your money, if an airplane can’t move.”

Elsewhere, Tui UK responded last week to a query on X which asked if holidays from May 1 were expected to be affected by the reported jet fuel shortages.

The reply said: “Hey, we’re closely monitoring the developing situation in the Middle East and its potential impact on global aviation fuel supplies. At present, we’re not anticipating any immediate disruption to our flight schedules or holiday programmes from fuel shortages.”

Commenting on the situation with fuel, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC on Thursday: “There are no issues with supply at the moment.”

Her comments came after the International Monetary Fund advised countries to consider managing energy demand through measures such as subsidising public transport or working from home, to combat the crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.