Walsh says soaring jet fuel will push European fares higher this summer

TL;DR: Jet‑fuel prices are set to lift European air‑fares this summer, says IATA chief Willie Walsh, as airlines scramble for alternative supplies.

European travellers face higher ticket prices this summer, not because of demand but due to the cost of jet fuel. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) chief, former British Airways boss Willie Walsh, told the BBC that airlines cannot absorb the current oil price surge and will inevitably pass the expense to passengers.

Walsh highlighted that the summer months normally see a 25 % jump in flight frequency and fuel consumption compared with March. With the Strait of Hormuz still partially closed after the US‑Israeli conflict, Middle‑East jet‑fuel shipments have become more expensive, tightening supply for the UK and the rest of Europe, which rely heavily on imports.

The European Union has cleared the use of US‑grade jet fuel for European carriers, provided the transition is managed carefully. This regulatory green light aims to diversify supply sources, but the EU’s energy commissioner warned that while no immediate shortage exists, longer‑term gaps could emerge.

Airlines have already trimmed schedules: data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows 296 UK departures were cancelled this week, representing 0.75 % of total flights. The cancellations reflect a cautious approach rather than a panic‑driven shutdown.

UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander reassured the public that summer holidays should proceed without major disruption, citing increased imports from the United States and higher output from domestic refineries. The government also introduced a temporary rule allowing airlines to combine passengers from different flights onto fewer aircraft, a measure intended to conserve fuel.

Travel operator TUI’s chief executive Sebastian Ebel echoed the optimism, saying he does not expect shortages in the coming months. Nonetheless, Walsh warned that fuel‑related challenges could linger into 2027, potentially affecting pricing and availability beyond the current season.

What it means: Passengers should expect fare increases on both short‑haul and long‑haul routes as carriers adjust to higher fuel costs. While regulators are easing supply constraints by permitting US fuel, the underlying price pressure remains. Travelers planning summer trips should budget for higher ticket prices and monitor airline announcements for any further schedule adjustments.

What to watch next: Keep an eye on EU decisions regarding additional fuel import approvals and any shifts in oil market dynamics that could further affect ticket pricing through the remainder of the summer.