Government says no need to change travel plans amid jet fuel concerns

Passengers due to fly from UK airports this summer have been told there is currently “no need” to change travel plans despite growing international concern over jet fuel supplies linked to disruption in the Middle East.

The UK Government said airlines operating across the UK are not currently experiencing a jet fuel shortage, while airports continue to maintain fuel reserves to help keep flights operating normally.

The reassurance comes amid ongoing uncertainty following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and fuel supplies — which has triggered concerns internationally about aviation fuel availability and possible travel disruption.

Officials say the government is working closely with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to minimise disruption to passengers and protect summer holidays.

Government urges passengers to continue with travel plans

In guidance issued to travellers, the government stressed there is “no current need” for people to alter upcoming holidays or business travel arrangements.

Passengers are instead being advised to:

• continue checking with airlines before travelling

• monitor official Foreign Office travel advice

• ensure appropriate travel insurance is in place

The government said UK airlines typically purchase jet fuel in advance, while airports also maintain “bunkered” fuel stocks as part of normal resilience planning.

Ministers acknowledged that families and tourism businesses may still feel anxious given wider global instability and reports of cancelled flights internationally.

However, officials said they are holding regular meetings with the aviation sector to monitor risks and maintain clear communication with passengers if circumstances change.

Flight cancellations remain below 1%

Despite widespread reporting of aviation disruption globally, official data suggests UK flight cancellations remain relatively limited.

According to aviation analytics company Cirium, only 0.53% of the UK’s planned flights for May 2026 have been cancelled.

Separate analysis by the Department for Transport using OAG aviation data found around 1,200 flights departing the UK were cancelled between 3 May and 14 June 2026.

That accounts for less than 1% of scheduled flights during that period and is considered within normal operational expectations.

Officials said many schedule reductions have primarily affected destinations closer to the Middle East due to the ongoing regional conflict.

Airlines also routinely adjust flight schedules based on passenger demand and operational pressures.

What passengers are entitled to if flights are cancelled

The government also reminded travellers of their legal rights if flights are cancelled.

Under UK law, passengers are entitled to either:

• a full refund, or

• an alternative flight booking

This applies where passengers:

• depart from a UK airport on any airline

• arrive in the UK on a UK or EU airline

• arrive in the EU on a UK airline

Passengers seeking advice are being encouraged to contact their airline, travel agent or tour operator directly.

Further guidance is also available through the Civil Aviation Authority and the government’s Air Passenger Travel Guide.

Temporary slot rule changes introduced for airlines

The government has also moved to reduce operational pressure on airlines as the industry navigates uncertainty around fuel supplies.

At some major airports, airlines are allocated specific take-off and landing times known as “slots”. Under normal rules, airlines must use at least 80% of those slots to retain them for future seasons — commonly referred to as the “use it or lose it” rule.

Airport Coordination Limited, which oversees slot allocation in the UK, has now updated guidance so airlines affected by fuel shortages can apply for exemptions without risking the loss of their slots.

The Department for Transport is also consulting the aviation industry on temporary measures for the summer and winter 2026 seasons.

Those proposals could allow airlines operating multiple daily services to the same destination to consolidate flights, helping reduce fuel consumption while limiting disruption for passengers.

Officials said the approach would allow airlines to focus on maintaining stable operations rather than operating lightly filled flights simply to protect airport slots.

Government monitoring global fuel situation

The government said it continues to prepare for a range of possible scenarios while working with international partners to secure a “long lasting and workable solution” to restore normal shipping movements through the Strait of Hormuz.

For now, ministers insist the aviation sector remains resilient and passengers should continue following standard travel guidance ahead of summer departures.