Long-haul destination holidays under threat due to shortage of jet fuel
Long-haul holidays could be at risk if the Middle East crisis continues, as jet fuel costs keep rising and there’s now a risk that airlines will be forced to cancel flights.
Some airlines are considering axing their long-haul routes due to the shortage of jet fuel caused by the war in Iran.
Following the Strait of Hormuz closure and ongoing oil price uncertainty, jet fuel prices have risen sharply from $90 to $200 per barrel, and traders expect an oil shortage in the coming weeks.
Pic: Arterra/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
As a result, there is now a very real risk that airlines will be forced to cancel long-distance flights as the uncertainty continues.
Airlines fear that if they undertake a long-haul flight, they may not have access to enough fuel to make the return journey.
There are reports today that this issue may drag on until the busy summer season, with industry sources fearing it could take until Christmas to get back to normal.
The Airbus A350-900 has been optimised for long-haul flights. Pic: Vivek Prakash/Bloomberg via Getty Images
People who have booked holidays to long-haul destinations may find their trips cancelled if the continuing uncertainty drags on.
Meanwhile, flights to Dubai, Riyadh, and parts of Turkey have already been suspended, while bookings to the Greek Islands and Cyprus have fallen.
Virgin Atlantic has paused flights between London, Dubai, and Riyadh, citing safety concerns, and British Airways has suspended services from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai, and Tel Aviv.
Dubai International Airport partially reopened on March 7, but services remain restricted.
The UAE and parts of southern Turkey are considered high risk, with official travel guidance warning of a heightened terrorist threat and advising against all but essential travel.
