Continued from page 48


escalation more likely, while the US blockade deepens the energy supply crisis and risks antagonising China. The failure of tankers to


transit through the Strait of Hormuz during the ceasefire demonstrates the futility of hopes for a speedy resolution.


But even were fuel flowing, a Financial Times analysis suggests it would take two years to restore oil and gas supplies to pre-war levels and longer before energy markets stop factoring risks of disruption into prices. The full impacts are poised


to bite. A hike in UK inflation is expected from July, dealing a fresh blow to consumer confidence. Shortages of jet fuel across


Europe could hit well before that. Airports association ACI Europe warned the EC last week of “increasing concerns over the availability of jet fuel”, saying “systemic jet fuel shortage is set to become a reality for the EU if passage through the Strait of Hormuz does not resume in any significant and stable way within the next three weeks”. It called for EU-wide


monitoring of supplies as summer approaches. Iata director general Willie


Walsh, speaking in Singapore, warned it could take “many, many months” for the impact on air traffic to subside even when supplies resume. The Financial Times reported


the UK aviation sector has attempted to address the shortfall in supply by ramping up imports of US jet fuel, with a quarter of US jet fuel exports delivered to Britain in March. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely – on its own – to be enough to replace supplies from the Gulf.


Delta cuts flights to offset $2bn hike in fuel bill


Delta Air Lines is to cut routes and raise ancillary charges to address a $2 billion hike in its fuel bill due to the war on Iran. The carrier increased the charge


for a checked bag by $10 to $45 and said it had cut capacity for April to June by 3.5%, with reductions “across the board”. Delta said it


46 16 APRIL 2026


aimed to recover up to half its additional fuel costs and warned other increases would follow. Chief executive Ed Bastian


reported midweek and overnight flights would most likely be axed, saying: “We’re taking actions to protect margins and cashflow. We’ll continue to make capacity reductions within the quarter.” Delta, like other US airlines,


does not hedge on jet fuel prices. However, it does own a fuel refinery. Bastian ruled out a shortage of jet fuel in the US but said: “We don’t know where


Ed Bastian


Alaska Airlines launches Heathrow-Seattle service


Ian Taylor


US carrier Alaska Airlines will launch daily services between Heathrow and Seattle next month, offering additional access to the US West Coast. Alaska serves multiple destinations


from its home base in Seattle, including Los Angeles, San Franciso, San Diego, Portland and Denver, as well as the Hawaiian Islands. The carrier has not flown


transatlantic before but is poised to become the fourth-largest carrier in the US after acquiring Hawaiian Airlines in 2025. It is due to launch flights between


Seattle and Heathrow on May 21 using a Boeing 787 with new, lie-flat business-class suites unveiled at the end of March. Services will be daily, year-round, departing Seattle at 9.45pm to arrive at Heathrow at 3.05pm the following day. Heathrow departures are scheduled for 5pm, to arrive in Seattle at 6.55pm.


communications vice-president Alexa Rudin pointed to the carrier’s partnership with British Airways in the Oneworld alliance and said: “We see ourselves as an additional option for BA travellers.” She described Seattle as “a


Alaska Airlines The carrier will use slots at


Heathrow provided by Oneworld partner American Airlines. However, Alaska will launch daily


services between Seattle and Rome first, starting from the end of April, and will follow the Heathrow start-up by launching services to Reykjavik at the end of May – connecting with Icelandair flights around Europe. Alaska flew solely across North


America, Central America and the Caribbean until recently when it began services to Tokyo and Seoul. It expects most traffic on the


Heathrow-Seattle service to originate in the US at first, but Alaska


convenient gateway to the West Coast” and said the market “has been asking us to provide services” to Europe. Rudin added: “We’re a premium


carrier and we heavily invest in the onboard experience, with plenty of overhead bin space, fresh meals, cocktails and a warm, friendly service.” She downplayed the possible


impact of the war in the Middle East on demand and the reluctance of some travellers to visit the US, saying: “We’re confident travel to and from the US will sustain over time.” The airline has yet to release fares,


but Rudin said “our philosophy is to be competitive”, adding: “We’ll really turn on the promotion in autumn.” Alaska acquired Virgin America


in 2016.


[the] fuel [price] is going to go.” The carrier reported a


$289 million loss for the quarter to March. Delta announced this week it would extend its Edinburgh-New York JFK service to year-round.


travelweekly.co.uk


PICTURES: Ingrid Barrentine/Alaska Airlines; Shutterstock/daily_creativity


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