The dispute in the Middle East between the US, Israel, and Iran has caused major disruptions to jet fuel supplies recently.
As a result, jet fuel prices have surged, with fears of shortages continuing to grow.
Major airlines around the world have already responded to rising jet fuel prices by increasing fares and cutting flights.
Lufthansa, for example, announced in April it would cancel 20,000 flights over the following six months to save fuel.
“Risk of some disruption” to flights this summer
Despite all these cancellations, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, speaking on Sky News’ Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips recently, said there would be limited disruptions to upcoming summer holidays.
Ms Alexander explained: “I’ve spent every week of the last two months in close contact with airlines and airports.
“On Thursday of this week, airlines told me very clearly that they have good visibility over the next six to eight weeks of jet fuel supply.
“There is no current disruption to jet fuel supplies.
She continued: “The last thing I want is for people to turn up at a departure gate and have last-minute cancellations.
“I am confident, sat here today on the basis of the information that I have available to me, that the majority of people who are travelling this summer will have a similar experience to that which they had last year.”
The Government has also introduced a temporary rule change allowing airlines to group passengers from different flights together onto fewer planes to save fuel.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has also issued an update saying there is “a risk of some disruption” to travel this summer due to the situation in the Middle East, but reassured travellers they would be “well protected”.
Did you know that if you arrive over 3 hours late at your destination, and it’s the airline’s fault, you could claim up to £520 per person.
Always remember to contact your airline in the first instance.
Know your rights before you travel: https://t.co/TG4Uyf7Ytb pic.twitter.com/bWsnkKp4RD
— UK Civil Aviation Authority (@UK_CAA) May 2, 2026
The CAA said: “As the summer travel season approaches, airlines, government and industry partners are working closely to support smooth journeys.
“While there is a risk of some disruption as a result of the situation in the Middle East, travellers in the UK are well protected by some of the strongest passenger rights in the world, offering reassurance if disruption does occur.”
Bristol Airport issues update amid ongoing travel disruptions
Bristol Airport has issued its own update amid all the travel disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The airport has assured passengers it is “not currently experiencing any fuel supply interruptions or shortages” and is continually monitoring the situation.
A Bristol Airport spokesperson added: “Airlines are also saying that they are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel, which they buy in advance.”
The spokesperson referred travellers to recent Government advice, which stated: “There is no current need for passengers to change their travel plans.
“UK airlines buy jet fuel in advance, and airports maintain stocks to support their resilience.
“The government is working closely with the aviation industry to monitor risks and minimise disruption to passengers.”
“If your flight is cancelled, you have clear legal rights, including the right to a full refund or re-routing.”
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