BUSINESS NEWS


British Airways owner IAG warns of higher fares, while partner carrier American Airlines has emphasised it will ‘make sure’ to recoup higher fuel costs from passengers


Industry unease grows over jet fuel supplies


ANALYSIS:Airlines cut flights and signal higher airfares. Ian Taylor reports


The chorus of concern at an imminent shortage of jet fuel has grown despite government attempts to downplay a sense of crisis. President Trump’s three-week


extension of a ceasefire with Iran last week offered some hope of a resolution. But peace talks appeared more off than on, sending the oil price above $110 a barrel on Tuesday and suggesting the crisis will extend at least well into May. The Foreign Office and


departments for transport and 48 30 APRIL 2026


energy issued a joint statement late last week entitled ‘Jet fuel and travel plans’, insisting: “UK airlines are not currently seeing a shortage of jet fuel. There is no current need for passengers to change travel plans.” Yet it acknowledged: “Should


circumstances change [and] your flight is cancelled, you have . . . the right to a full refund or rerouting”. It noted plans “for a range of


contingencies” but gave no details other than a relaxation of the ‘use it or lose it’ rule on slots at airports which


will allow carriers to cancel flights and consolidate schedules if needed. The EC went further, announcing


a series of measures including establishment of a Fuel Observatory to track production, imports and stocks of transport fuels and balance distribution, while noting: “There is no immediate security of supply concern.” It noted: “As an initial priority,


the commission will coordinate with Continued on page 46 travelweekly.co.uk


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