Jet2 and EasyJet issue major update as airlines cancel flights amid fuel shortages

Mark Littlewood shares his take on supermarket food price cap

|

GB NEWS

Patrick O'Donnell

By Patrick O'Donnell


Published: 21/05/2026

- 12:40

Airlines across the world are responding to the growing fuel crisis resulting from the US-Iran war

Jet2 and EasyJet have issued a major update regarding their operations this summer as other airlines cancel flights amid fuel shortages.

Airlines, including Air Canada, have announced a trimming down of their flight paths to mitigate the additional cost being charged on customers.


British holidaymakers can book summer getaways with confidence as EasyJet has confirmed its flights remain unaffected by the global fuel crisis, according to the airline's chief executive.

When announcing the company's latest financial results, Mr Jarvis said: "EasyJet is not seeing any disruption to fuel supply. We continue to operate normally and our customers should book with confidence, taking advantage of our great value fares."

EasyJet plane and Jet2 plane

Airlines are responding to the growing fuel crisis

|

GETTY

This follows a similar announcement from Jet2, which confirmed it would not levy surcharges on fees thanks to have ample fuel to weather the crisis.

Steve Heapy, Jet2's CEO, said, "We are in regular dialogue with our fuel suppliers, and the current picture is one of increased production and imports, meaning we continue to look ahead with confidence.

"We have already been very clear about our plans to operate our schedule as normal this summer, and our message to holidaymakers is that summer is on."

EasyJet intends to fly its complete summer timetable as planned, with clear visibility of fuel availability for the coming month.

Mr Jarvis urged travellers not to panic about the situation. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Mr Jarvis explained that while oil flows from the Gulf have diminished significantly, suppliers have successfully found alternative sources.

He said: "Fuel suppliers have successfully diversified, with production increased in Norway, in West Africa, in the Americas, and refining capacity for jet fuel has also increased substantially outside of the Gulf region."

EasyJet

EasyJet has issued an update

|
GETTY
Jet2 Plane

Jet2 has issued an update

|
GETTY

The airline maintains close communication with fuel providers, airports and government officials, none of whom have flagged concerns about future supply.

Crucially for passengers who have already made bookings, EasyJet has pledged not to add fuel surcharges to existing reservations.

Mr Jarvis added: "We also have a 'book with confidence' promise that we will not put fuel surcharges on, so once you've booked, that will be the price you pay."

Despite these reassurances, the Middle East conflict has dampened consumer appetite for advance bookings.

EasyJet has sold 58 per cent of available seats for the period running until the end of September, representing a two percentage point decline compared with the same time in 2025.

\u200bThe transport company also partners with Air Canada

Air Canada has trimmed the number of flights it is offering

|
AIR CANADA

However, last-minute reservations made within the month of departure have actually risen year-on-year. Mr Jarvis described current summer pricing as "incredibly attractive" for travellers.

He said: "What we're seeing this summer is that fares are broadly in line with where they were this time last year, which obviously is incredibly good value."

The carrier has protected itself against fuel price volatility by hedging 72 per cent of its supply requirements through September at pre-crisis rates.

The airline reported a pre-tax loss of £552million for the first half of the financial year, a significant increase from the £401 million deficit recorded during the same period in 2025.