Jet2, easyJet, and Ryanair issue '48-hour warning’ to passengers as fuel crisis looms
Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair are among airlines warning passengers of potential disruption within the next 48 hours as concern grows over a possible jet fuel crisis linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The situation involves ongoing instability between Israel, the United States and Iran, raising fears that global oil and aviation fuel supply chains could be affected. While airlines say operations are currently normal, industry bodies warn that conditions could change rapidly if the conflict escalates.Behind the scenes, airlines are pressing the UK government to ease regulatory and tax burdens on aviation in preparation for possible disruption. A briefing document compiled by Airlines UK, a trade body representing carriers including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2, sets out a wide range of demands aimed at keeping flights operating if fuel supply tightens.The document warns that if disruption to jet fuel supplies persists or worsens, airlines may be forced to cut flights and increase fares. It also argues for greater regulatory flexibility to allow airlines to respond quickly to supply shocks.Key proposals include suspending the UK emissions trading scheme, relaxing restrictions on night flights, easing airport “use it or lose it” slot rules, and reducing air passenger duty.Airlines are also calling for changes to passenger rights rules so that fuel-related disruption would be classified as “extraordinary circumstances”, removing entitlement to compensation beyond refunds for delays or cancellations.An Airlines UK spokesperson said: "Airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply but as you would expect we remain in close contact with the Department for Transport given the current external environment."The spokesperson added: "It is vital that government take the right actions now to ensure the continuation of supply, as well as support the UK aviation industry, which has been impacted by record high jet fuel prices, and that includes providing additional flexibility. Additional flexibility, should it be needed, would enable airlines to operate most efficiently to minimise any disruption to customers and maintain long-established global networks."A UK government spokesperson said: "UK airlines are clear that they are currently not seeing a shortage of jet fuel."The spokesperson added that government continues to work with fuel suppliers, airlines and international partners on contingency planning to ensure passengers and businesses are supported during ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, with a focus on preventing disruption and maintaining supply routes.Despite such assurances, the aviation sector is warning that prolonged instability in global energy markets could force rapid operational changes. Airlines argue that early regulatory flexibility would help reduce the impact on passengers if fuel supplies become constrained.For now, flights continue to operate as normal, but airlines and the Government acknowledge the situation is being closely monitored. Industry leaders say any deterioration in fuel availability could lead to reduced capacity, higher fares and potential disruption during the peak summer travel period.
