UK urges travellers to stick to plans despite 13,000 global flight cuts and soaring jet fuel

Context Airlines worldwide trimmed 13,000 flights in May as jet‑fuel prices more than doubled after the Middle‑East conflict. The cuts represent roughly 1 % of global flights and have not disrupted UK schedules.

Key Facts - Jet fuel rose from $831 per tonne in late February to a peak of $1,838 in early April, now hovering around $1,500. - The UK Department for Transport (DfT) stresses there is no current fuel shortage; airlines purchase fuel in advance and airports hold reserves. - Passengers retain full legal rights to refunds or re‑routing if a flight is cancelled. - The government has introduced a temporary rule allowing airlines to cancel weeks ahead without losing take‑off and landing slots, and to merge flights to conserve fuel. - Industry bodies such as Airlines UK and travel‑agent group ABTA confirm full summer schedules and normal operations for key sun destinations. - Lufthansa plans to drop 20,000 flights by October, while budget carriers easyJet and Wizz Air expect no cancellations. - The International Energy Agency warned of possible European fuel shortages by June if alternative supplies are not secured.

What It Means Travelers should not alter bookings based on fuel‑price headlines. UK airlines have secured fuel through June and can adjust operations without penalising slot allocations, preserving capacity at busy airports. Legal protections guarantee refunds or alternative routing if a cancellation occurs. Nonetheless, the situation remains fluid; the government will monitor supply chains and may adjust rules if shortages emerge.

Looking ahead, watch for any updates on fuel‑supply negotiations and the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure on UK jet‑fuel imports.