ABTA Updates May Half Term Travel After Flight Cancellations Due to Fuel Crisis

People are getting on a plane.

UK travelers going abroad for the Spring Bank Holiday are getting the latest holiday advice due to fears over jet fuel shortages and flight disruptions. Experts say flights are operating as planned despite airlines making backup plans because of high fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict.

There are concerns after reports that some airlines are planning for possible refueling stops on long flights if shortages get worse. Lufthansa has started making backup plans after one of its flights had to stop for fuel on a trip to South Africa.

The airline has cut thousands of flights from its summer schedule as fuel costs keep rising. However, travel industry figures say UK holidaymakers should not worry.

Travelers fear they might get stuck at home.

Mark Tanzer, ABTA's Chief Executive, said people should not worry about their holidays; planes are taking off, and people are going on holiday. The Government and airlines say there is no fuel supply problem.

If you have a holiday booked, it should go ahead as planned.

He added that flight cancellations worldwide are less than one percent of all flights.

About 13,000 flights worldwide have been cut in May, with Munich and Istanbul being the worst-affected destinations.

The Department for Transport says there is no need for travelers to change their plans. UK airlines buy fuel in advance, and airports have fuel reserves to prevent disruptions.

Travelers are advised to check flight updates and have suitable travel insurance. Some 120 UK flights have been canceled this month as jet fuel prices rise.

An easyJet flight is taking off.

Cirium said airlines have canceled 120 UK departures in May, which is 0.53% of all flights. The number of outbound flights for June is 36 lower than last week, a 0.2% reduction.

The last week of May is a peak holiday period. Globally, 13,005 planned flights for May were canceled, which is 1.5% of all flights.

Julia Lo Bue-Said said airlines are assessing and canceling poorly performing flights.

She added that UK departures to summer hotspots remain unaffected, and customers can book with confidence. Paul Charles said airlines are being forced to cut flights ahead of the peak season.

People have been told not to cancel their plans.

It is better for airlines to cancel flights in advance so passengers are less inconvenienced. As the Iran conflict continues, there will be more cancellations due to the jet fuel supply.

Lufthansa announced it would cancel 20,000 flights to save fuel. Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a surge in oil prices and concerns over jet fuel shortages.

The Transport Secretary said summer holiday plans will not face major disruptions. More fuel has been imported from America, and refineries have increased production.

The Government has introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights to save fuel.

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