UK tourists to face flight 'cancellations' alert as 6 hotspots 'could be at risk'

British holidaymakers are set to be warned by ministers to prepare for potential flight cancellations. The anticipated warning follows concerns from airline bosses about possible jet fuel supply shortages affecting the UK from as early as next month. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is reportedly preparing to "level with" the public this weekend about the likelihood of disruption and cancellations this summer. She is also expected to outline contingency measures designed to minimise the fallout - as six tourist hotspots have reportedly been identified as being at risk of cancellations. Government officials are drawing up plans to advise against long-haul travel to specific destinations should tensions in Iran escalate dramatically. Countries including Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Myanmar and Ethiopia could be affected, sources told the Times. Ministers are also set to highlight the "positives" of staycations as anxiety mounts over overseas bookings. A number of major European carriers have recently sounded the alarm about looming jet fuel shortages in the coming weeks, citing disruption to their primary supply route through the Strait of Hormuz. According to UKOilWatch, Britain currently holds just 34 days' worth of jet fuel reserves. Roughly three-quarters of Europe's jet fuel originates from the Middle East and passes through the Strait of Hormuz off Iran. Heathrow Airport confirmed on Wednesday that it anticipates passenger figures for the remainder of the year will be impacted by Middle Eastern tensions. Lufthansa Group plans to axe 20,000 flights over the next six months in a bid to conserve fuel. Meanwhile, other carriers including Virgin Atlantic have introduced a fuel surcharge, and British Airways has cautioned passengers about potential "pricing adjustments" to their tickets. Sir Keir Starmer , the Prime Minister, also suggested this week that Brits might need to reconsider "where they go on holiday". Government ministers insist the UK isn't currently facing jet fuel shortages, as alternative supply sources remain available. Michael O'Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, Europe's largest airline, revealed to The Times that competitors are "desperately" hunting for flights to axe, with cancellations expected to begin within weeks. According to the newspaper, leading fuel suppliers are informing airlines that the UK has the "most limited visibility" across Europe regarding jet fuel availability, largely due to its heavy dependence on Middle Eastern imports. These suppliers reportedly anticipate May will be manageable. Yet they warn that "mid to late June as the potential start of disruptions" if the Strait of Hormuz near Iran remains closed. O'Leary explained: "There is a modest improvement in the supply situation through to the end of May, early June, but then nobody would give us any undertakings what happens in mid-June or thereafter." He confirmed Ryanair wouldn't be slashing flights. However, he predicted that other prominent European carriers more "exposed" to soaring costs would likely begin scrapping routes, saying: "They are all desperately trying to take out marginal flights or any growth because they don't have the fuel for it. "We were worried there would be disruption to around 10 per cent of our flights but some of those worries have eased because other European airlines have taken out lots of capacity." It comes as Jet2 has revealed that holidaymakers are increasingly making last-minute bookings following the outbreak of the Iran war, with growing concerns about the conflict's impact and potential disruptions to jet fuel supplies. The company reported that summer passenger bookings are currently up 6.2%, driven by growth in both its airline and package holiday operations. However, highlighting rising unease amongst travellers, it noted that the "booking profile has become increasingly close to departure" as a result of the Middle East conflict. Jet2 confirmed it has strong protection against fuel cost increases triggered by the Iran war for the crucial summer period. It said it is "maintaining frequent dialogue with our fuel suppliers and airport partners on fuel supply". British refineries have meanwhile been instructed to maximise jet fuel production as part of government contingency measures amid concerns that the Iran war could lead to aircraft being grounded. Energy minister Michael Shanks said the government is closely monitoring UK jet fuel stocks and liaising with airlines, airports, fuel suppliers and international partners. "UK airlines typically buy fuel months in advance, and aviation fuel suppliers hold bunkered stocks. The UK imports jet fuel supplies from a range of countries not reliant on the strait, including the United States," Shanks stated in a ministerial announcement. "Airlines UK have stated that 'UK airlines continue to operate normally and are not experiencing issues with jet fuel supply.' The government continues to work with partners to monitor and mitigate potential disruptions," Shanks added.