UK officials issue 2026 Summer holiday fuel shortage update for families

Travellers anxious about jet fuel shortages throwing their summer holidays into chaos have been given an update. In a joint statement from the Department for Transport , Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, officials have stepped in to ease growing concerns over fuel supplies, following tensions impacting shipping routes. They confirmed that airlines are "not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel", emphasising that carriers routinely purchase fuel well ahead of schedule, while airports hold reserves to ensure smooth operations. Ministers confirmed they are working "closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption", acknowledging that families and travel companies are navigating "challenging global conditions". Despite alarming headlines surrounding disruption, the government maintains the situation is far less severe than feared. Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium reveals that just 0.53% of UK flights scheduled for May have been axed - broadly consistent with a typical year. The majority of those cancellations are linked to routes involving the Middle East amid ongoing conflict. Looking ahead to the peak summer period, the picture is even more encouraging, with cancellations standing at just 0.2% between June and August. Historically, around 1% of flights are cancelled in a normal year, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. Passengers are being reminded that they have robust legal protections should disruption strike. Under UK law, travellers are entitled to a full refund or an alternative flight if their journey is cancelled, including: Departures from UK airports on any airline Arrivals into the UK on UK or EU airlines Flights into the EU on UK airlines Holiday-goers are advised to get in touch with their airline or travel provider directly and consult official guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority. The government has ramped up monitoring following disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz - a key global energy artery. Officials say they are working closely with airlines, airports and fuel suppliers to maintain supplies and ensure passengers "keep moving". Contingency plans are firmly in place, alongside ongoing efforts to secure a longer-term solution to restore normal shipping operations. In a bid to minimise disruption, airlines are being granted additional flexibility over airport take-off and landing slots. Under normal circumstances, carriers must use at least 80% of their allocated slots or risk forfeiting them - the so-called "use it or lose it" rule. However, independent slot coordinator Airport Coordination Limited has eased its guidance, permitting airlines to hold onto slots where fuel shortages prevent flights from going ahead. Ministers are also weighing up temporary regulation amendments for summer and winter 2026 to permit airlines to merge flights, assisting in reducing fuel consumption and preventing needless cancellations. For now, the advice is simple: Do not cancel or change plans unnecessarily Check flight details with your airline before travelling Follow the latest travel advice from the Foreign Office Make sure you have appropriate travel insurance